that the British and American colonies adopted the newly reformed Gregorian calendar that made January 1, offically the start of the new year?
With the New year upon us, I thought I would check out the history of traditions around the world on this day of starting afresh a brand new year.
In 1796, Robert Burns poem, "Auld Lang Syne" was first published (Scots Musical Museum) based on lyrics he had heard an old man singing. But it was not until an historic night in 1929 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Your City on New Years Eve, that the song was destined to become a New Years traditon. Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians from that night on, played the tune on New Years Eve until 1976 at the famous Waldorf Astoria. It was said once that no one would believe it was the New Year unless Lombardo's rendition of the song was played.
In Spain: tradtion is to eat twelve grapes at midnight, symbolizing good fortune for the next twelve months.
In the Netherlands: they use their Christmas trees to light bonfires and launch fireworks to drive the out the old and bring in the new.
In Greece; the tradtion of baking a St Basil's Cake and hiding a gold or silver coin inside assures the finder of having a "lucky" new year!
In Scotland: a celebration called "Hogmanay" or "first-footing" is practised still. Just after midnight, it is tradtion to visit your neighbor and offer good wishes for the new year, bringing along a piece of coal for the fire or shortbread as a gift.
Even better it is if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year!
How about this guy? My inspiration for DESIRE made flesh, in an upcoming anthology based on the festival of Samhain.)
What are YOUR New Year's Eve traditions? Do you head down to Times Square? Love to get glammed up and go out on the town? Maybe you prefer a night with an intimate dinner and dancing afterwards?
Give us the scoop!
Amanda
