Bringing in the New Year!

 

New Year's represents a time of rebirth, change, and of course a good reason to party!  For centuries people have been celebrating it in many different ways. Here in the US, the fondest memories of many are of Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve in New York City's Times Square.  Even if you've never been there, you've probably watched it over the years on TV. Did you know that this event started back in 1972?  Today the event entertains hundred of thousands of people, not including the millions who watch at home.

 

The first New Year's ball in New York City was used in 1907 due to a ban on fireworks. The 700 pound ball was made of iron and wood and was lowered from a flagpole. Today it's much more glamorous and made by Waterford Crystal. It weights 11,875 pounds and is 12 feet in diameter. So, you know that song that everyone sings as the clock strikes midnight, how does it go? Should all acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should all acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne. It was written by Robert Burns in the 1700's and called Auld Lang Syne which means "times long past". It was made popular in NYC at the Roosevelt Hotel and later made it's way onto radio and TV broadcasting. 

Many people recognize the New Years baby in a diaper, top hat, and a sash. This dates all the way back to Greece when they would parade a baby around town in a basket to represent the rebirth of the God of Fertility.  And what about Father Time who walks away leaving behind the little baby in a top hat?  He represents the end of the year and is actually (ok, stay with me here) the grown up version of the baby from last year. That cute little baby from last year grew into an old decrepit man with a scythe and an hourglass.

Champagne Toasts

In Spain you're supposed to eat 12 grapes at midnight to unsure a year filled with luck. Each grape represents every month and must be eaten while the clock is still ticking at midnight!  Many people peel the grapes first for easy gorging.

 

For something different, try a little limoncello in the bottom of your glass.  Add it in about 1/3 of the way up and top with champagne or sparkling wine. It's very refeshing and can be served this way any time of year.

Looking for something really different? Muddle 1 package or blackberries with 5 leaves of basil.  Let it sit about 30 minutes and then strain through a seive. Add it to your champagne (slowly!) The small pieces of pulp can get the glass a little messy when it bubbles up.

And Don't Forget to Kiss at Midnight!

Kissing at midnight ensures that there will be 12 months of continued love and affection with your partner. Be weary, if you don't it may have the opposite reaction!

It's not a party without party hats and noisemakers.  The party hat originates back to of all things......a dunce cap.  The dunce cap is a cone shaped hat that was worn as punishment when school children were acting mischievous.  When party goers wear their cone party hats they're allowed to be frivolous and behave foolishly.  Noisemakers are a lot of fun to play when bringing in the new year.  Below are some that I've collected and it always brings out the young juvenile in me to play them.  There are clappers and squawkers and clickers and horns.  Even tambourines and kazoos are fun.  If you don't have any noisemakers, pots and pans work well also!

So I hope that you have a very Happy New Year and enjoy your night!  What will the new year bring to you?