New year’s traditions and where they came from

Many compare the sound of a popping champagne bottle with the arrival of the new year and celebration.

Ever wondered how foreign countries celebrated their new year and what their customs are?

Many of the traditions we have today date back from ancient times where making loud noises was seen as chasing away all evil.

Here are some interesting tidbits:

• In ancient Thailand, guns were fired to frighten off demons.
• In China, firecrackers were believed to rout the forces of darkness.
• In the early American colonies, the sounds of pistol shots rang through the air.

It is said that New Year’s Day was a day when gifts were once swapped between family members.

• Gifts of nuts or coins marked the start of the new year in Rome.
• Eggs were exchanged by the Persians as a symbol of fertility.
• Early Egyptians traded flasks.
• In Scotland, coal, shortbread and silverware were exchanged for good luck.

The start of a new year signals the turning of a new leaf and many people swear to it that they will change their ways.

There are a lot of people who stand by their new year’s resolutions and, with determination, see it through the year.

Others’ resolutions last three days or a month.

Some new year folklore rings as follow:

• On New Year’s Eve, kiss the person you hope to keep kissing.
• If New Year’s Eve night the wind blows south, it betokens warmth and growth.
• For abundance in the new year, fill your pockets and cupboards today.
• If the old year goes out like a lion, the new year will come in like a lamb.
• Begin the new year square with every man – Robert B. Thomas.

Source: www.almanac.com