By Susan Wordal
There are many traditions associated with the “New Year.” We make a list of resolutions, or things we want to accomplish. We make noise. We drink a toast. We give a gift. We exchange a kiss at midnight. We sing. But where might some of these lovely traditions have their origins? Out of curiosity, I went looking. It is amazing what information and disinformation you can find on the internet.
Our New Year’s Resolutions could be said to come from the Babylonians as early as 2600 B.C. as a way to reflect on what is past and plan ahead. Or, it could be part of a Jewish tradition when observing Rosh Hashana where one makes time for personal introspection and prayer, not to mention visiting the graves of those who have gone before. Expressions like “turning over a new leaf” are in keeping with this theme.
We make noise, whether it is shouting out “Happy New Year” or ringing bells or setting off firecrackers, as a part of the tradition in many cultures. The practice of setting off fireworks or even firing guns were thought to frighten off dark forces or demons. Some countries, like Denmark, used to throw plates or glasses against the front doors of others’ homes to banish bad spirits. Fire, not fireworks, can be seen as effective in banishing the bad things or seeking the light. In Ecuador they burn effigies, particularly of famous people, to destroy bad “juju” so people can start anew. It is likely that some of these traditions of fire and light are related to ushering in the light after the shortest day of the year. And the Yule log tradition supports this.
We drink a toast! Who hasn’t heard the pop of a cork on a champagne bottle at New Years? It’s considered a classic and classy beverage for a celebratory toast to the new year and new beginnings. Some places will use Wassail, which is a punch-like drink named for the Gaelic term meaning “good health” or “Wes hal” meaning “Be Whole”. (You will need baked apples, sugar, beer/ale, cinnamon, ginger, lemon and either sherry or sweet red wine for this drink.) Make sure someone is the designated driver and does not drink if you enjoy too much of this tradition!
Gifts are exchanged and enjoyed for many reasons, but before Christmas was designated as December 25th, the period beginning with December 21, the winter solstice, to January 1 was celebrated as Yule in the Scandinavian and Germanic traditions. The Yule season was marked by lights, fire, feasting and the exchange of gifts. Gifts of gilded nuts or coins marked the occasion in Rome. Eggs, a symbol of fertility in many cultures, were a common gift in Persia at the New Year. This makes some sense from the idea that the winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year an the re-emergence of light and fertility or rebirth. Egyptians traded earthenware flasks. This covered the toast and the gift. How efficient. Scotland saw exchanges of coal (warmth), shortbread (sweets) and silverware as a gift for good luck.
Kissing in the New Year. Ok, this one is more based on folklore about staying with your loved one or bringing in good luck. Also, strengthening the ties you wish to maintain. Some traditions go back to the Romans’ celebration of Saturnalia, which is based on a Roman god (Saturn) sometimes referred to as the “Lord of Misrule” (because the person to preside for the festivities was often from the lowest in the household and could engage in light-hearted mischief). And then there is a Viking festival called Hogmanay. (Which is also a Scottish and/or English tradition.) The tradition of Hogmanay is marked by bells (usually church bells) playing at midnight, which rings out the old and rings in the new. The kiss was a welcome to friends and strangers alike. This particular tradition (kissing at midnight) is likely based on folks finding any excuse to exchange a kiss, but might have something to do with believing that a kiss will ward off loneliness or will secure good luck if the person you kiss is the “right” person to bring such luck. A literary explanation supporting this theory may be found in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, (a 14th century Arthurian legend poem) which references a holiday game where the ladies who lose must give something to the men (who likely are happy to receive). While it is not specified the “something” is a kiss, one doesn’t need much prompting to get the idea.
And then there is the singing. We raise our voices in celebration, we sing quietly in grief, and just about everything in between. Wassail refers not only to drinking plentiful amounts of alcohol and enjoying oneself, but it also refers to what we call caroling. The most traditional song for the New Year is based on the Scottish poet Robert (Rabbie) Burns lyrics in 1788, although even the poet admitted the song had been around for years at that point. The director of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, Scotland, David Hopes, has indicated Burns adapted an earlier version of the poem/song by Scottish poet Allan Ramsay. Many say Burns’ version is an improved version. “Auld Lang Syne” more or less literally means “old long since” or “times long past.” There are several stanzas to the poem, but most of us today know it and sing it as:
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o kindness yet, for auld lang syne.”
Other classic songs you might hear: “Happy New Year” by ABBA; “It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve” by Barry Manilow; “Happy New Year” by Judy Garland; “Happy New Year” by Nat “King” Cole; “Let’s Start the New Year Right” by Bing Crosby; “Funky New Year” by the Eagles; “Champagne & Wine” by Etta James; and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve” by Ella Fitzgerald.
So, here’s hoping, as we bid good-bye to 2023 and usher in 2024, you have raised a glass to memories and our departed, shared a laugh and a tear for what has been, and have rung in the new, with all the possibilities to be revealed. May yours be a ‘Guid New Year.’