New Years Day: A History

New Years Day is the first day of the New Year; aptly named I’m sure you will agree. However, where the majority of Britons are concerned, New Years Day might as well be called National Hangover day; a day to tend to ones throbbing head and forget the previous night’s drunken antics. For most, the prelude goes something like this; alcohol, fireworks,  a few rounds of Auld Lang Syne, alcohol, intoxicated phone calls, alcohol, sleep, hangover.

We have decided to ponder where these traditions stemmed from. For example, in the old Roman calendar, New Years Day was celebrated on the 15th March, but was changed in 153 BC when the two Roman Consuls opted for a more sensible date (although it was actually changed for military reasons).

Up until the advent of the 1900’s, New Years day was traditionally a religious feast, however it developed into high spirited celebrations and the chance to set personal resolutions. New Year is still, in many places around the world, closely connected with food. A lot of cultures think that food that is formed in a ring will bring them good luck as it symbolises completing a year’s cycle. In certain cultures black-eyed peas stuffed with a coin are served, the person to received the bean studded with coins is said to be prosperous in the next year (that is, if they haven’t chocked to death, of course!).

The most popular resolutions in the western world include the following; quit smoking, lower alcohol intake, lose weight and shape up ones physique! However for some more creative ideas why not look to the stars? 2009 saw Britney Spears attempt to “stop biting my nails” and Kanye West’s declaration to “be nicer to the press” – oh it’s a hard life.

So where does Auld Lang Syne originate from? It’s believed to have something to do with Robert Burns, who co-composed it in the 1700s, he was inspired by similar sounding melodies.  It was first published in 1796 after Burns’ death and translated means “old long ago” or “the good old days.

Well I hope this has been of some interest to you, and from the team here at gifts2thedoor we wish you a very happy new years day!