New Year's Day Traditions
New Year's Day is celebrated world wide. For many, the day not only commemorates the beginning of a new year, but also the beginning of a fresh start.
Many traditions around the world are set in a way to both remember the past year, but also look towards the future with hopes of good fortune.
Below is a list of common New Year's Day traditions in the United States.
- Sing Auld Lang Syne at midnight - Lombardo version. This is a way to say "farewell" to the past year. It has been a tradition to sing the song for over 100 years.
- Excessive drinking - a common American tradition for many holidays. It's seen as a way to forget the past years troubles, and of course to have fun.
- Ball drop - Watching the ball drop in person or on television has become a foothold on New Year's eve celebrations.
- Fireworks - Although more of a city than personal display, watching fireworks to celebrate the coming year has become a tradition of many.
- Remembrance of the past year - We look back on what has happened. This is either done as a family, saying what they are thankful for and what they look forward to in the coming year, but also news broadcasts and New Year's Eve countdowns on television look back on events which took place.
- Champagne at midnight - A way to celebrate the coming year.
- Kissing at midnight - It's seen as good luck, romantic, and a way to celebrate the new year.
- Resolutions for the new year - A way towards a better future and to better ourselves. Sadly, most resolutions are forgotten the next day due to the excessive drinking.
- Tournament of Roses - A parade held in Pasadena, California. The parade is a way to kickoff the new year and the beginning of the Rosebowl. The parade was first held January 1, 1890.
- Rosebowl - One of the top BCS football games every year and is generally held the same day as the Tournament of Roses. Sports fans sit around recovering from the long night before and enjoy a fantastic football game.
These are only some of the common traditions held. Other countries have different traditions and often times cities and families will have their own traditions.