7 curiosities about the 1st of January
Roberto Peretto
NIaaS (Number Intelligence as a Service) Sales Manager at NetNumber - Set me a goal and eat your popcorn!
The first day of the year, January 1st, is a day filled with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Here are a few interesting facts about this special day:
1. The New Year has been celebrated on January 1st since the Roman calendar was reformatted in 46 BC.
The Roman calendar originally started in March, but Emperor Julius Caesar changed it to start in January in 46 BC. This was done to honor the Roman god Janus, who was the god of beginnings and endings. Janus was often depicted with two faces, one looking forward and one looking backward, representing the past and the future. The month of January is named after him.
2. In many countries, it is traditional to make New Year's resolutions on January 1st.
Making New Year's resolutions is a common tradition on January 1st. These are promises to oneself to improve one's life in some way, such as by exercising more, quitting a bad habit, or learning a new skill. Many people find it helpful to set goals for the new year and use the start of the year as a motivation to make positive changes.
3. In the United States, the New Year is often celebrated with the dropping of a large ball in Times Square in New York City.
The ball drop in Times Square, New York City, has been a tradition since 1907. It takes place at midnight on New Year's Eve, when a large ball made of Waterford Crystal is lowered down a pole to mark the start of the new year. The ball drop is broadcast live on television and attracts millions of people to Times Square to watch in person.
4. In Spain, it is traditional to eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve.
In Spain, it is traditional to eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve, one for each month of the coming year. It is believed that eating all 12 grapes will bring good luck. This tradition is called "Las Doce Uvas de la Suerte," or "The Twelve Grapes of Luck."
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5. In Eastern Europe, it is traditional to write a wish and burn the paper.
In Eastern European countries, it is traditional to write down one's wishes on a piece of paper and burn it on New Year's Eve. The ashes are then thrown into a glass of champagne, which is believed to bring the wishes to fruition. This ritual is a way of symbolically letting go of the old year and starting the new year with a clean slate.
6. In Scotland, is known as "Hogmanay".
In Scotland, the first day of the New Year is called "Hogmanay." This celebration is often bigger and more important than Christmas, and it involves traditional Scottish music, dancing, and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." Hogmanay celebrations can last for several days and may include a torchlight procession, a "first footing" ritual (where the first person to enter a home on New Year's Day is believed to bring good luck), and gift-giving.
7. January 1st is a day for superstitions and rituals to bring good luck.
In some parts of the world, January 1st is a day for superstitions and rituals to bring good luck for the coming year. In Italy, for example, it is believed that wearing red underwear on New Year's Day will bring good luck. In other parts of the world, people may perform rituals such as throwing coins into fountains, carrying lucky charms, or eating certain foods to bring good luck for the new year.
In conclusion, whether for cultural, religious, or personal reasons, the start of the new year is a time for reflection, goal-setting, and looking forward to the future: there's certainly no shortage of traditions to mark the 1st of January.
So, what special plans did you have for this New Year's Day? Have you made any resolutions or followed any special traditions? Maybe you've started the year off by wearing some lucky red underwear. Or perhaps you've made a wish by throwing some coins into a fountain or burning a piece of paper with your desires written on it.
Whatever you've decided to do, I hope you made sure to take a moment to appreciate the present and look forward to all the possibilities that the new year has in store. Here's hoping that the coming year is filled with good health, happiness, and prosperity for you and your loved ones. Happy New Year!