Midnight reflections: Looking Back & Looking Forward

By Valeria Morales Alvarez

Staff Writer

Meet the Writer

Did you know that the first celebrations of New Year's were in ancient Mesopotamia around 4,000 years ago? New Year's Day is a celebration of the end of one year and the start of another. People will wait til midnight on December 31st and celebrate when it is officially January 1st. How do different cultures celebrate New Year's Day? 

The origin of January 1st becoming the official, universal start of the new year in many countries dates back to Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar established the 1st of January in honor of Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. 

Many cultures or families have their own traditions to bless the new year or bring things an individual would want, like love or money. For example, in Spain, it is common to eat a dozen grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock, to bring good luck into the new year. In Denmark, plates are smashed at the doors of neighbors, and the more dishes smashed, the more good luck. There are many more traditions, but they all follow the same idea of manifesting what you want for the new year. There are also modern traditions like the ball drop in New York, fireworks, parties, & resolutions. 

Resolutions or the idea of new beginnings and self-improvement are common; we try to leave behind old habits and create healthier ones. Delilah Vazques says, “ For next year, I want to do well senior year.” Having resolutions can be an extremely helpful plan if you stick with it; however, many people don't. 

Maximus Chang states, “New Year's Day is like hitting a reset button.” We should all be taking advantage of New Year's Day, maybe as a way to let things go or improve. So set the tone for your new year, new goals. Are you going all in for a fresh start?