The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1920-12-30
New Years Dav
in
Many Lands

ATEW YEARS DAY is a time for
thanksgiving and mirth and
happiness, and in some coun-
tries, for the interchange of gifts. 1t
Ia also day which, because II Is the
beginning of another year In ones life,
has associated with 1t a certain sa-
credness which often takes the form
or resolutions to do more and better
things than one has ever done before
1t Is appropriate that the series of
IL months should open on the first day
Of January, because this is the period
OF the winter SolStice, the turning
point Of the year, the time when earth
begins to be revivifed in anticipation
Of the coming Of spring. The ancients
understood this significance and, al
though several changes in their calen-
dar took place before the present date
was made permanent, January 1st has
been, we are told. the generally ac-
cepted date since the reign Of the RO-
man king Numa Pompilius, 672 B. G.
He decreed that the year should begin
as 1t now does, and added two new
months to the already existing ten.
The first month was named January
in honor of the god Janus, who was
represented by the Romans as having
two faces, this signifying that he was
acquainted with both past and future
events. On this first day II was the
Roman custom TO offer TO Janus sacri-
fee upon twelve different affairs.
Among the offerings was a cake OF
sifted meal with incense and wine.
The people took every precaution to
conduct themselves so perfectly that
nothing but good might he presaged
for the coming year. Latin writer's of
the time say that all strifes and diff
ferences ceased at the New Year. The
day was spent I'm visiting, feastlng and
exchanging gifts. Indeed. the burden
Of giving had become so heavy that
during the reign Of CIaudius he felt
forced 10 limit It by a decree.
In Belgium the children are espe-
cially active on New Years. Their
greatest fun is obtained by secreting
doors Of the house. Then they hide.
watching. lynx-eyed, from their van
tage ground for the chance to lock up
an unsuspectIng parent or uncle or
aunt. When once caught they are not
freed until they promise a certain for
felt Of sweetmeats.
Tn France II is called '1e jour de
l'an"-the day Of the year. Merry
making. calls and gifts reign supreme.
Dancing, singing and wine also have
prominence. Candy. not usually al
lowed TO French children. Is generous.
ly given out. January 1st Is also the
day for family reunions. And I'm the
early morning hours relatives Of any
one who has died during the year as-
semhle NJ the grave for brief service.
One Of the prettiest customs In the
world Is that observed AZ Franfort- on
thc-Main. Many are the gay parties
which gather ON New Years eve. and
when'the great cathedral clock begins
10 chime the midnight hour every win.
dow Of every occupied house IS raised
Each person lifts high q glass and
with one voice the whole city cries
out, 'Proslt Ncuiahr." by the time
the twelfth stroke IS reached the win
dows are closed and quiet relgns as
the old year draws It's last breath.
In rural parts Of Russia the chill.
drcn who have arisen especially early
ON this holiday start out on n house
toulouse pilgrimage. with pockets
brimful Of dried peas and wheat.
Doors are never locked In Russia, so
It Is an easy matter to enter. If the
occupants OF the house thus visited