New
Year's English Trivia: Five Fun Facts You May Not Have Known As another New Year rolls around, people everywhere are making resolutions, toasting with champagne, and counting down the seconds until the clock strikes twelve. But how much do we really know about this festive occasion and the language associated with it? Below are five fun facts about New Year's in English that you may not have known. 1. The word "January" comes from the Roman god Janus Most people know that January is the first month of the year, but not many know where the name "January" comes from. It turns out that the month is named after the Roman god of beginnings and endings, Janus, who was depicted with two faces -- one looking forward and one looking back. This is fitting, since the start of the year is a time for reflection on the past and anticipation of the future. 2. "Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish poem set to music The classic New Year's song that we all sing at midnight, "Auld Lang Syne," is actually a Scottish poem that was written by Robert Burns in 1788. The words roughly translate to "old long since," meaning "for old times' sake." The tune was added later, and the song has since become an international symbol of parting and remembrance. 3. The ball drop in Times Square dates back over 100 years Perhaps the most iconic New Year's image in America is the ball drop in New York City's Times Square. This tradition dates back to 1907, when a 700-pound ball made of iron and wood was lowered down a flagpole at midnight. Today's version is a bit more high-tech, with a Waterford crystal ball that has over 32,000 LEDs and weighs nearly 12,000 pounds. 4. "First footing" is a Scottish New Year's custom Another Scottish tradition that has been around for centuries is "first footing," a practice where the first person to enter a home after midnight on New Year's Eve is said to bring good luck for the coming year. According to the superstition, the ideal first-footer should be tall, dark-haired, and male, and should bring gifts such as coal, whiskey, and shortbread. 5. "New Year" doesn't always fall on January 1st While January 1st is widely recognized as the start of the new year, in some cultures and religions, the date is different. For example, the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, typically falls in September or October, while the Chinese New Year can be as early as January 21st or as late as February 20th. These celebrations may use different calendars or lunar cycles to determine their dates. So as you ring in the new year, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and diverse customs that make this occasion such a globally important one. Whether you're dropping a ball, singing a song, or just spending time with loved ones, you're participating in a cultural moment that has been celebrated for centuries. Happy New Year!
