New Year's Eve. A time for reflection and celebration. We reflect on our experiences throughout the year and evaluate our personal growth. We celebrate the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another in our storybooks. We also celebrate with certain traditions, most of which we have not a blessed clue where they came from nor what they truly mean. Allow me to drop the ball and further explain these traditions.
Here are 5 New Years traditions and their meanings:
1. The ball drop
Who would've thought watching a ball drop would be a tradition? It sounds rather pointless and yet we do it every year. Before the ball, there were fireworks. In 1904, we had the first New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square in New York City and it was celebrated with fireworks. Of course, two years later, fireworks were banned by the city. Event organizers had to think of an alternative so they came up with the idea of having a 700-pound iron and wood ball lowered down a pole. Clearly, it was a hit because ever since then, it's become a tradition for Americans to watch the ball start dropping at 11:59 P.M. and to count down the final seconds before the new year begins.
2. A kiss at the stroke of midnight
We all know about the customary lip lock at midnight, but why is it a thing? According to English and German folklore, there is a heavy importance on the first person you encounter in a new year and the nature of this encounter. This encountering sets the tone for the rest of the year. With this in mind, a kiss for the new year is viewed as strengthening ties you wish to maintain in the future. So, if you want to continue a great relationship with your significant other, pucker up and get to smooching at midnight!
3. 12 grapes
Spain is the originator of this tradition and it's also a superstition. While Americans are busy guzzling down a glass of champagne and snagging a smooch at the drop of the ball, Spaniards are grappling to finish eating 12 grapes within the first 12 seconds of the new year. They do this to bring them 12 months of luck in the new year. So, no significant other to kiss at the stroke of midnight? No problem! Instead, make this a contest amongst your friends. The night will surely be filled with laughter.
4. New Year's resolutions
The ancient Babylonians were said to be the first ones to start New Year's resolutions. They would have celebrations, specifically religious celebrations. They have a 12-day celebration called Akitu in honor of the new year. In the celebration, the Babylonians made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed. These promises could be considered the forerunners of our New Year’s resolutions.
5. Pork and sauerkraut
If you're from Pennsylvania, there's a good chance that you eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day. I know that I always do. Turns out, the reason why we eat it is to solidify our luck for the upcoming year. The dish is a German custom that was brought over by the Pennsylvania Dutch. It has been said that consuming the pork will bring you luck and the sauerkraut will bring you wealth.
Well, it looks like you have a variety of ways to celebrate and make your own luck for the new year. However, it all starts with you and your actions. Decide wisely. Good luck!
