The next time someone tells you that Americans used to be much more dignified, show them this picture from NYE 1938 and then hit them with a custard pie.
We traditionally insert baby angels into our New Year's iconography because they represent a fresh start...but think about that one second, please...
Adding to the confusion: Down South, many people wouldn't dream of New Year's Day supper without black-eyed peas, which are not peas at all, but, rather, legumes, and a proud member of the pea family. They associate this dish with good luck in the new year, and they link collard greens with the kind of green we all want in our wallets, so that's on the menu, too. I will gladly eat greens, but no pea beans, please.
Now, in the Greek culture, they are into pomegranates, regarding this fruit as a sign of luck, prosperity and fertility, and new beginnings. Part of the tradition is the ritual smashing of a pomegranate on the front door at the stroke of midnight. The belief is that the more seeds that come flying out, the more prosperous a year it will be for the family. I do feel sorry for the person who winds up having to clean up the seedy, pulpy mess. Their year can only get better after that, though.
Back in the day, it seemed like everyone on the East Coast tuned in to see the Rose Parade from Pasadena, CA, on the morning of January 1. It was a great way to see something in color on the brand new Zenith.
Not every culture will celebrate New Year's Eve tonight. The Chinese New Year will be on Sunday, January 22nd, and it will be a year of the Rabbit.
Here's your free wallpaper!
Remember, as much as you might like making your backyard sound like a recreation of the Battle Of The Bulge, there are many people (and their pets) who prefer a lighter version of New Year whoop-de-doo.
Here is your homework for this week. Print it out and fill it out, and remember, neatness, spelling, and grammar count.
Happy New Year! Be safe and be happy, and think about your blessings!
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