New Year's traditions vary throughout world

Being a person who has constant curiosity, I decided to do some research on the New Year holiday. If you are curious as well, the following information is provided for your review.

According to the World Book Encyclopedia of 1984, volume 14, page 237 states: “The Roman ruler Julius Caesar established January 1st as the New Year’s Day in 46 B.C.. The Romans dedicated that day to Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. The month of January was named after Janus, who had two faces – one looking forward and one looking backward.”

The Julian calendar, created by Caesar, had the first of the year on Jan. 14; however, with the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, also used by Rome, brought the New Year back to Jan. 1.

The new year is celebrated in a lot of different ways:

• In Russia, the celebration of Old New Year or Novi God takes place. It’s considered a family celebration. The president counts down the final minutes of the old year.

• In Scotland, they celebrate Hogmanay. They have street and family parties.

• In the Philippines, they celebrate the new year with fireworks, lots of noise to scare away evil spirits and bring in good luck.

• Some churches celebrate the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ on Jan. 1, based on the belief that Jesus was born on Dec. 25, and according to Jewish tradition, his circumcision would have been done on Jan. 1.

In most of the United States, it is a tradition to bring in the New Year with toasts, hugs, kisses, fireworks and parties. We make New Year’s resolutions which are sometimes hard to keep. We watch football games, watch the snow fall and hope the New Year will be better than the last year.

Folks regardless how you celebrate this holiday, please be careful when driving. If you consume alcohol, do not drive.

Arcenia, I and the NWES crew hope you and yours have a prosperous and joyous filled New Year.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do? For more information about Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified indoor environmental professional, forensic, fire, flood, mold Inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.