As the clock strikes twelve on January 1st, millions of people will celebrate with food and fresh resolutions. The significance of each of these New Year’s activities, however, can easily be lost in the noise with all of the celebration. Considerable fascinating New Year’s history exists. How much do you actually know about the occasion? Here are four interesting facts about the new year.
- There Have Been New Year’s Celebrations for 4,000 years.
Emperor of Rome Julius Caesar was the first to proclaim January 1 a public holiday. He gave the month the name Janus in honor of the Roman god of gates and doorways. Janus had two faces, one staring in the front and the other in the rear. Caesar believed it would be appropriate to give this god his own month.
- Many People Crack Open a Bottle of Champagne to Herald in the New Year.
During this time, Americans consume around 360 million glasses of sparkling wine. The bubbly substance was created in the 17th century, at the time that corks were created.
- In Times Square in New York City, About a Million People Assemble to Witness the Ball Drop.
The Times Square ball drop on New Year’s Eve was made possible by the prohibition on fireworks. In 1907, a 700-pound ball with 100 25-watt lights inside was the first of its kind. The current ball is inferior to the previous one (thanks to technology). It now measures 12 feet in circumference, weighs 11,875 pounds, and has 32,000 LED lights and 2,688 crystals covering it.
- 10,000 Participants in Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade March Through City Hall While Performing in Elaborate Costumes.
The procession, which originates to the middle of the 17th century, incorporates traditions from Ireland, Germany, England, Sweden, and other parts of Europe. A funny division, wench brigades, fancy division, string bands, and fancy bridges comprise the parade’s five divisions. Be sure to attend this event if you will be in the region for New Year’s.
