As we get ready to celebrate and welcome 2006, for the benefit of all concerned, I came across the following observations surfing the net about New Year's Day and its origins, as well as the traditions surrounding it.
January 1 has marked the beginning of the year, at least for the last 400 years for most Western nations. In ancient times, the beginning of spring was observed as the beginning of the New Year. The switch took place when the Roman senate in 153 BC declared January 1 as the first day of the year although it wasn't until 46 BC that Julius Caesar established what has come to be known as the Julian Calendar synchronized with the sun.
The Romans are also responsible for New Year celebrations started in the first centuries of AD. Although the Church and other religious institutions condemned these festivities as paganistic, they soon began having their own religious observances concurrent with the pagan traditions to mark the beginning of the New Year.
Today, the celebration and customs vary from one country and culture to another, ranging from watching fireworks to eating special foods. Many of these customs, some among them amusing, are intended to bring good luck for the upcoming new year, ranging from the Thai custom of throwing water on people or the Spanish custom of eating 12 grapes as the clock chimes twelve midnight to the Turkish customs of women wearing new red lingerie as soon as the clocks strike midnight or people turning on faucets to increase the abundance of their houses. In Turkey, some who are financially deprived open padlocks at midnight as a sign that the good days are ahead.
One thing for sure, no matter when, where and how you celebrate the beginning of any new year, there is no better time to wish for hope, goodwill and peace around the world and health and prosperity among its peoples.
Happy New Year! And remember to blog responsibly!
