chinese christmas

Chinese New Year,Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese year 4704 begins on Jan. 29, 2006.Chinese months are reckoned by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. In China, people may take weeks of holiday from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year.A Dog YearLegend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in dog years tend to be loyal, kind, and generous. They will work to right wrongs and are able to keep secrets. Bill Clinton, Shirley MacLain, Benjamin Franklin, and Jane Goodall were all born in the year of the dog.Fireworks and Family FeastsAt Chinese New Year celebrations people wear red clothes, decorate with poems on red paper, and give children "lucky money" in red envelopes. Red symbolizes fire, which according to legend can drive away bad luck. The fireworks that shower the festivities are rooted in a similar ancient custom. Long ago, people in China lit bamboo stalks, believing that the crackling flames would frighten evil spirits.In China, the New Year is a time of family reunion. Family members gather at each other's homes for visits and shared meals, most significantly a feast on New Year's Eve. In the United States, however, many early Chinese immigrants arrived without their families, and found a sense of community through neighborhood associations instead. Today, many Chinese-American neighborhood associations host banquets and other New Year events.The Lantern FestivalChinese New Year ends with the lantern festival on the fifteenth day of the month. Some of the lanterns may be works of art, painted with birds, animals, flowers, zodiac signs, and scenes from legend and history. People hang glowing lanterns in temples, and carry lanterns to an evening parade under the light of the full moon.In many areas the highlight of the lantern festival is the dragon dance. The dragon—which might stretch a hundred feet long—is typically made of silk, paper, and bamboo. Traditionally the dragon is held aloft by young men who dance as they guide the colorful beast through the streets. In the United States, where the New Year is celebrated with a shortened schedule, the dragon dance always takes place on a weekend. In addition, many Chinese-American communities have added American parade elements such as marching bands and floats.4:23 PM Chinese New Year, Chinese New YearChinese calendar Chinese calendar has been in continuous use for centuries, which predates the International Calendar (based on the Grigorian Calendar) we use at the present day which goes back only some 425 years. The calendar measures time, from short durations of minutes and hours, to intervals of time measured in months, years and centuries, entirely based on the astronomical observations of the movement of the Sun, Moon and stars. Read more about it.When is the Chinese New Year's Day in Year 2006? January 29, 2006 is the first day of the new year.When is the Chinese New Year's Day in Year 2005? February 9, 2005 is the first day of the new year. There are three ways to name a Chinese year:By an animal (like a mscot). The new year is known as the Year of the Rooster.There are 12 animal names; so by this system, year names are re-cycled every 12 years. More. By its Former Name. The new year is the year of Yiyou. By this system, the Name of the Year is repeated and re-cycled every 60 years.It is Year 4702 by Chinese calendar.When is the Chinese New Year's Day in Year 2004? January 22,2004. This is the first day in the Year of the Monkey.It is Year 4701 by Chinese calendar.What's special about the Chinese New Year in 2004? It was a Leap Year! Unlike the western calendar, where one extra day is added in February, one whole leap month is added in a Chinese Leap Year. Just think. If you get paid by the month, instead of working an extra day for nothing, you would get an extra month's pay !!!This time around, the Leap Month comes after the regular 2-nd Month. The "Leap Second Month" begins on March 21, 2004. Read more about this here And here.When was the Chinese New Year's Day in Year 2003? February 1, 2003. It was the first day in the Year of the Ram (sheep, goat).This is Year 4700 by Chinese calendar.When was the Chinese New Year's Day in Year 2002? February 12, 2002. It was the first day in the Year of the Horse.It is Year 4699 by Chinese calendar. For those interested in astrology, it is the year of the Black Horse.When was the Chinese New Year's Day in Year 2001? January 24, 2001. This was the first day in the Year of the Snake.This is Year 4698. [Some says this is Year 4638, which is also plausible. Others claim this year to be either 4699 or 4399, which are almost certainly wrong.]What's special about the Chinese New Year in 2001? It was a Leap Year! Unlike the western calendar, where one extra day is added in February, one whole leap month is added in a Chinese Leap Year. Just think. If you get paid by the month, instead of working an extra day for nothing, you would get an extra month's pay !!!This time around, the Leap Month comes after the regular 4-th Month. The "Leap 4-th Month" begins on May 23, 2001. More about this...When was the Chinese New Year's Day in Year 2000? February 5, 2000. It was the first day in the Year of the Dragon.That year ended on January 23,2001.When is the Chinese New Year's Day in some other year? There is a 160-year calendar which gives all the dates from 1900-2060 written by H. Liang. You can download it free from http://lunarcal.tripod.com/Download.html12 AnimalsEach year is also designated by one of the 12 Animals For instance, 2003 is the Year of the Ram and 2004 is the Year of the Monkey. 2005 is the Year of the Rooster.This system is extremely practical. A child does not have to learn a new answer to the question, "How old are you?". Old people often lose track of their age, because they are rarely asked about their current age. Every one just have to remember that he or she was born in the "Year of the Monkey" or whatever. More about this.New Year's decoration at the front of the houseColorful calligraphy called 'chun lian' (Spring couplet) are as popular as those for Halloween or Christmas.What's this logo at top right corner of this web page? The Chinese word for "Spring." The Chinese calls the New Year's Celebration the "Spring Festival." This particular calligraphy is a reproduction of the work by one of master calligrapher Zhao Mengfu (1254-1322) who wrote it more than 600 years ago. More on calligraphyAre there Chinese Graphics analogous to Christmas cards? There are colorful posters! Traditional. New Year's cardWhat is the Chinese word for 'luck'? Posters with the word 'luck' is often seen around the New Year's. Make one yourself.Solar/Lunar calendarFor monthly calendar of 2005 (designed by Mr. Meng Zhuo of CWR Univ.)2005 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec For monthly calendar (design by Professor Dawei Dong) 2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecWith a printer, you can print these out and make a 12-page desk calendar.(Be sure to set page orientation to 'landscape' on you printer for best result.)What is the story about the animal of the year? In Chinese calendar, one of the scheme for counting years is a 12-year cycle. One counts from Year 1,2,3,... up to 12. Then starts over from Year 1. (In modern mathematics, this is modulo 12.) Instead of inventing 12 special symbols for this purpose, 12 animals are used to represent these 12 years. Rabbit (hare), for example, is the 4-th year of the cycle.See more about this.Chinese dragons For more about Chinese dragons, go to the Dragon pageFireworks & skywriting For a bit of fun, look at this. [Chinese BIG5] [Chinese GB] [English]How is Chinese New Year's Day determined? In one sentence, the Chinese New Year is the second New Moon after the winter solstice. It is based strictly on astronomical observations, and has nothing to to with the Pope, emperors, animals or myths. Due to its scientific and mathematical nature, we can easily and precisely calculate backward or forward for thousands of years.One explanation by Rudy Chiang Allen Tsai's site has more details: about Year 2004 and here.4:22 PM Chinese New Year New Year's Eve 2006,In New York CityNew Year's Eve 2006In New York City The pyrotechnics explode and confetti rains down on Times Square as everyone waves the balloons, pompoms and other free handouts.If you are planning to come to this year's Times Square celebration, just remember to dress warm, bring your own food and drink (non-alcoholic) and get here early. The streets will begin closing at 43rd Street at about 6:00pm and move north as more people arrive.Disabled viewing is available on the northwest side of 43rd Street but get there early as it does fill up as well.If you want information about hotels in the Times Square area, .After all the celebrations, it's either on to party or on to bed. But you can be sure that it'll be the sanitation workers who will be up later than anyone!NYCtourist.com wishes everyone a happy and healthy New Year!Here's a countdown of what you can expect when visiting Times Square this year:T minus 7 hours (5:00 p.m.)The ArrivalPeople begin arriving late in the afternoon on New Year's Eve. By approximately 6:00 p.m., the Bow Tie of Times Square (42nd to 47th Sts. Between Broadway & 7th Ave.) is fully closed to traffic. The NYPD directs you into the viewing sections beginning with the closest ones to 43rd Street. As each section fills up you're going to be further and further away.T minus 6 hours, 2 minutes (6:58 p.m.)Hourly Video Countdowns BeginAs the New Year draws near, giant video screens will display two minutes of sound effects and music culminating in a 30-second video countdown to mark the end of each hour. The music and sound effects are heard using a wireless surround sound system specially engineered for the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration.T minus 2 hours, 30 minutes (9:30 p.m.)Pom-Poms, Balloons and Confetti BagsThe Times Square Business Improvement District's (the group which makes Times Square the amazing place it now is all-year-round) deploys its sanitation crews clad in bright red uniforms to distribute thousands of fun handouts including American flags. glittering multi-color mylar pom-poms, single-use cameras, bright red and blue balloons, and "Official Times Square Confetti Bags" to all of you cheering in the New Year.T minus 2 hours (10:00 p.m.)Live Video of Times Square CelebrationYou may want to check your face because you might be seen by the world via the live video feed sent to broadcasters worldwide. If you haven't been here before, this is what you've seen all those years from home. Now it's your turn!T minus 1 hour, 30 minutes (10:30 p.m.)Sound & Music Fill the Air!You're now treated to continuous music via the sound system and are encouraged to sing along with everyone! Before you know it, it'll be 2006.T minus 1 minute (11:59 p.m.)All Eyes Are Focused on The Countdown StageThe Times Square 2002 Special Guest (name not available yet) will push the Waterford crystal button that signals the sixty-second Ball Lowering. The Countdown Stage is located at the center island on Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets.The Times Square New Year’s Eve BallThe lighted Ball descends 77 feet in sixty seconds. The Ball is a geodesic sphere, six feet in diameter, weighing approximately 1,070 pounds. The Ball is covered with 504 Waterford crystal triangles which this year have been engraved with the names of those lost in the World Trade Center attacks, 696 multicolored light bulbs, 96 high intensity strobe lights, and 90 rotating pyramid mirrors.T minus 0 minutes (midnight)2006 SignMarking the New Year at the stroke of Midnight, the light bulbs on the New Year’s Eve Ball are turned off as the numerals of the New Year "2006" burst to life shining high above Times Square.PyrotechnicsA two-minute pyrotechnic display will brilliantly illuminate the sky above One Times Square. Bursts of custom-mixed colors glitter in the night sky and are computer-controlled and synchronized with the other special effects.ConfettiThe world-famous New Year's Eve confetti is released from rooftops of buildings throughout Times Square as the revelers celebrate the New Year, creating a brilliant panorama of color 4:18 PM New Year's Eve 2006,In New York City
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New Year Traditions and Customs
New Year Traditions and CustomsTraditions to bring good luck for the New Year are as old as the celebrations and come from all corners of the world. They add to the New Year fervor, enjoyment and fun. Each of these customs holds significance and has a place in history.Let's have a look at some of these traditions. The traditions are as varied as the lands where they are from, but they all involve sharing with friends and family and wishes for happiness, health and prosperity in the New Year.· Mock combats are performed to represent the struggle between the seasons, Life and Death, and Old year and New. Plant and fruit trees are beaten with sticks; water is poured to cleanse the spirit, remove impurities, and invite grace.· There cannot be a New Year until the Old Year has gone. The Old Year is said to be evil and must be banished. A simulacrum of Death is paraded through the town or city and is buried, drowned, or burned. The effigy can be made of straw, twigs, or rags.· Nothing should be taken out of the house as one may remove the good luck along with it. It was said to be wise to make sure that lots of things are to be carried in.· Both one's pockets as well as one's stomach should be full. This was to make certain that in the ensuing year one would be prosperous and well fed. Empty pockets and un-stocked kitchen augured a year of poverty.· Bidding farewell of the old year was originally done out of fear that the evil spirits were let loose on the last day of the year. So people would make lots of noise and have lots of fun to drive the evil spirits away, so that they could start a New Year unharmed and unimpeded.· Another way people would drive the evil forces away was by setting of fireworks as it was believed that they were afraid of light and that they were also afraid of noise. So this was the reason why people would make lots and lots of noises at the stroke of midnight.· Church bells are told to drive evil spirits away at the end of the old year.· January is named for the Roman god, Janus. He is pictured with two faces one looking forward and one looking backward. This symbolizes the connection with both the ending of the old year and the beginning the new one. In America we use different symbols to represent the same things. An old man with a beard usually symbolizes the old year and a baby in diapers the new one.· George Washington began the custom of holding a party on New Year's Day where everyone was welcome. This became known as having an "open house" and is still done in many places today.· Many cultures believe a tall, dark and handsome man crossing the threshold as a sign of good luck, but if the first person to enter the house is a red headed woman, the year is sure to be stressful.· Holding a piece of silver or gold as the New Year begins is said to increase the chances of prosperity in the coming year. Some place a silver coin over the doorway or a penny on the windowsill.· Eating pork, all kinds of greens, cabbage, sauerkraut, the Southern U.S. tradition of black-eyed peas or anything that forms a circle - such as donuts or pretzels - make for good fortune in the coming year.· On New Year's Day, it is believed that hair shouldn't be washed as it would wash away good luck for the New Year. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. It is believed that appearance and attitude during New Year's sets the tone for the rest of the year. New Year RecipesSPINACH SALAD DIPIngredients· 5 slices bacon · 1 tablespoon olive oil · 2 cups sliced mushrooms · 1 small onion, finely chopped (1/3 cup) · 2 cloves garlic, minced · 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar · 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard · ¼ teaspoon pepper · 3 cups chopped spinach leaves · 1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened · 1/2 cup dairy sour cream · 2 tablespoons milk · Bagel chips or pita crispsDirections1. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels; crumble four of the bacon slices and set aside. Crumble the remaining slice of bacon; cover and chill for garnish.2. Remove drippings from pan. Add the olive oil to the pan. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until mushrooms are tender. Stir in vinegar, mustard, and pepper. Stir in spinach; cook and stir for 30 seconds or until spinach is wilted. Add cream cheese, stirring until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream, the 2 tablespoons milk, and the four slices of crumbled bacon. Transfer to a serving bowl. Cover and chill for 4 to 36 hours.3. To serve, stir dip. If necessary, stir in additional milk until mixture is of dipping consistency. Top with chilled bacon. Serve with bagel chips or pita crisps. Makes 32 1-tablespoon servings.BLACK FOREST CHERRY CAKE ROLLIngredients· 1/4 cup sugar · 1 tablespoon cornstarch · 2 tablespoons water · 1 cup frozen, pitted tart red cherries · 1-1/2 teaspoons cherry liqueur or brandy · 1/3 cup all-purpose flour · 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder · 1/4 teaspoon baking soda · 4 egg yolks · 1/2 teaspoon vanilla · 1/3 cup granulated sugar · 4 egg whites · 1/2 cup granulated sugar · Sifted powdered sugar · 1/3 cup sugar · 2 tablespoons water · 2 slightly beaten egg yolks · 1-1/2 teaspoons cherry liqueur or cherry brandy (optional) · 1/2 teaspoon vanilla · 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened · 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate pieces, melted and cooled · Chocolate curls (optional)Preparation1. For cherry filling, stir together the 1/4 cup sugar and the cornstarch in a small saucepan. Stir in the 2 tablespoons water. Add cherries. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more.New Year Party IdeasAs the count down to the holiday season begins, New Year's Eve and Day are great opportunities to gather with friends and family. Whether you want to host dinner, appetizers, brunch, or dessert, these party ideas will help you with the planning.Thus New Year Party is a matter of choice for both the host and the party hoppers. While the host should make sure that the party promises the most attractive features for the Mid-night bash, the party hoppers should be cautious in picking up the right one.D cor· Put up streamers, banners and balloons printed with "Happy New Year" messages.· Hang all the lovely greeting cards to frame a doorway, stairway or passages.· Hang colorful paper ribbons across the walls or the ceiling.· Use stickers. Fix them on to paper cups, place cards, balloons, or banners.· Make the room luminous and elegant by an ecstatic display of scented candles.· Add festive bows to everything--easy and economical.· Make sure your sound system has a sing-along facility. It will add more fun to your party. However if you don't have one you can always hire a sound system exclusively for the night.· If possible use timer to control the lighting of the party room and let the illumination move in sync with the clock hours.CenterpieceFlowers - Make sure the arrangements are high enough or low enough so that your guests can see across the table (there's no bigger mistake than this!!). If your ceilings are high, you will need height; if they are low, you can go with a lower arrangement. You may want to add something to the flowers like ribbons; ask your florist what is available.Baskets - Fill them with bread, desserts or flowers. Baskets are a nice touch and are not expensive. Decorate with ribbon and different colored linens for an added touch.The Menu1. Plan out a menu. Putting down on paper what you plan to serve eases the pain of constantly worrying about overlapping food types.2. Make sure you keep everyone's food taste/ specifications -- vegetarian and non-vegetarian -- in mind. You can't have a flurry of non-vegetarian starters, while a standalone guest chews desolately on carrot sticks!3. A general rule of thumb is to have a 4:2 ratio -- four vegetarian dishes to two non-vegetarian dishes.4. If you are lucky enough to have friends who offer to bring something, take them up on it. New Year's parties are hectic enough without having to man the kitchen single-handed.5. Once the menu is ready, it is easy to assign what friends should bring rather than leave it to them to decide. Ultimately, you are responsible for the party.6. Stock up on ice. And stock up on some more ice. This is one commodity you can never have enough of at parties. How to Be the Life of the PartyBe a natural trendsetter. Act comfortable in the social situation and gel in with the party spirit. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you out.Steps:1. Dress to kill. Wear something either very fashionable or very flashy (but tasteful), depending on your style Well-tailored clothes reflect class; bold outfits are hard to forget.2. Stand up straight and make direct eye contact. Self-assurance is very attractive. People will believe that there must be some underlying reason for your self-confidence.3. Smile and make eye contact with every person you speak with. But don't stare. Flirt a little. Don't end up alone in a room with someone, though. You'll miss the party and all the party fun also.4. Compliment each person you talk to and find out something interesting about them. People are most interested in themselves. Everyone has something intriguing about themselves - find it.6. Mingle! Don't get all wrapped up with the same people all evening. Break away within five minutes of meeting someone and move on. You can always come back. If someone drones on and on, excuse yourself immediately and walk away.7. Update yourself on current events and movies, and have a couple of tasteful, funny jokes on hand. You'll be able to start a conversation and then learn more about the topic from the people you talk to.8. Avoid discussing money, politics, religion or yourself.9. Introduce people you meet to each other. This gives you the appearance of being popular and helps you to remember names and faces.10. Avoid lonely or silent corners like, anyone lurking by the food or doors. They are not likely to be interested in conversationNew Year Party GamesParties are always fun. Yet in New Year time everyone wants to have a blast of time. And in these special moments to keep all the guests entertained is quite a challenge.So here are some great New Year party games that will keep the party rolling and guests laughing all night long.Guess the Month: Go through old magazines from the past year, or to your local library (this is fun research though) to search through old news articles. Find many events that took place in the past year. Make a list of these events, and have your guests guess which month the event took place in. For example- "During what month did Gwynneth Paltrow win her best actress award?" Whoever guesses the most right wins a prize.Guess Whose Resolution: Make each of your guests write down 5 resolutions, each on its own slip of paper. Pull one slip of paper out of a basket at a time and read it out loud. Everyone has to write down who they think made each resolution. At the end of the readings, the person who guessed the most correctly wins a prize. Read some of the wrong guesses out loud for fun!Find Your Prediction: Make up some phony generic predictions like, "In the New Year you will shave your head", and attach it to a corresponding item (a wig). Hide predictions with their corresponding items. Tell guests that predictions are hidden around the room with corresponding wrapped items, and that they each need to find one, read it aloud to the group, and open it.Who Wins a Prize? Every 10 minutes or so depending on how long the party is expected to last call out a question that relates to guests at the party, such as "Who's the youngest here?" "Who brought the best food?" "Who said the last word?" "Who laughs the loudest?" "Who's sitting next to the hostess?" and so on. Award a prize each time you call out a random question. Soon lots of people will have prizes- and they won't have to stay for the entire party, or worry about missing all of the games because they are party hopping.Newspaper Game: All you need for this game is a rolled up newspaper. Get everyone to sit in a large circle. One person is picked, and has to go into the middle.The person in the middle starts by saying their name and another person's. That person then has to say their name and another person's before the person in the middle hits them with the newspaper. If they get hit before they say the names, then they are it and have to go into the middle.Icebreaker: Every guest at the party is given a paper tag hanging from a string loop, which they wear around their neck. The game can be played throughout the party while people mingle.The object of the game is for people to ask other guests any question they want in order to try and get a no for an answer. If a player gets a no from another player, the player who answered no has to give the asker his or her tag.If you have lost your tag or tags you can still play and ask questions.At the end of the game period or the end of the evening the person with the most tags wins a prize.New Year PartyNew Year party is one of the most looked forward activities of New Year celebrations. Every party is different, jazzy and great fun. But every year the beat is different. So let's make this year just as memorable as the previous one. This New Year we'll go for a chilled out and laid back New Year.All it takes to have a great New Year's Eve is close friends, the right attitude and of course, a place to party. So to avoid waiting in long line ups the Eve of the New Year, spending tons of money, and in order to make sure you're spending the night with your close friends, take a look at these ways to throw a New Year's party at home.Considering New Year's is right around the corner, it's time to get the ball rolling in planning your house party.Inform all FriendsCheck out for your friends' availability for the New Year party. You don't want to have a whole night planned only to be spending it with your pet and annoying neighbor and of course 17 all-dressed pizzas. Just call those people that you truly want to spend the night with before making all the party arrangements.Sending New Year Party InvitationsIn order to spread the word, your best bet is to call people to tell them about the New Year bash. Not only is this the least expensive way, but also it's also the most reliable. If you prefer mailing invitations for the party, send e-mail -- do not rely on snail mail if you're mailing the invitations within 10 days of the New Year party. You never know what can happen.Whether you use e-mail or the phone, make sure to tell your guests if it's a "the more the merrier" party or if it's exclusive to your close friends.New Year Party MunchiesLight snacks, cocktails, or finger foods are the way to go on New Year's Eve, as compared to a sit-down formal dinner. This will give people the opportunity to mingle with others, without restricting them to a designated seat at the dinner table. Here are some food items to have on hand:· Nachos and salsa· Chips and fries· Nuts· Vegetable and dip· Chicken wings· Mini pizzas· An assortment of cheesesYou don't have to worry about cooking; most of these items can be store bought.Potluck New Year Party DinnerTo avoid worrying about food preparation, a great idea is to organize a potluck New Year dinner, where each guest brings something. This is an excellent way to get every guest involved in the preparation of the party. So just indicate on the invitation that it's a potluck New Year dinner, and try to have every person tell you beforehand what they plan on bringing to the party -- desserts and beer are great, but not when that's the only thing on the menu.Your best bet is to organize a buffet table, and arrange all the food, cutlery, plates, and cups on the table.Tip: Use paper cups, plates, and plastic cutlery to avoid things from breaking and to avoid having to do the dishes the morning-after -- or the month-after that is...New Year's EveNew Year's Eve is a celebration held the day before New Year's Day, on December 31.New Year's Eve is a separate celebration from the observation of New Year's Day. In 20th century Western practice, the celebration involves partying until the clock strikes midnight. Drinking champagne is also a major part of the festivities.In many cultures and countries the use of fireworks and other noise making is a major part of the celebration especially in cities such as Sydney, Paris and London.Many countries observe New Year's Eve as a holiday, indulging in fun and merriment all day long.New Year's Eve Celebrations around the WorldAustraliaSydney leads the world in one of the first major New Year's Eve celebrations each year A large number of fireworks are usually set off from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and various spots around Sydney Harbour on New Year's Eve.United Kingdom100,000 people gather for an organized street party in Edinburgh, with fireworks being set off from the castle and other major hills around the city on New Year's Eve. In London, a fireworks display is held around the London Eye. Bideford in North Devon is also famous for its New Year's celebrations.United StatesFor about four decades Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians would serenade the United States from the ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on Park Avenue in New York City.In the United States New Year's Eve is a major social holiday. In the past 100 years the dropping of the 'ball' on top of One Times Square in New York City, broadcast worldwide, is a major component of the New Year's Eve celebration. The 1,070-pound, 6-foot-diameter Waterford crystal ball located high above Times Square is lowered starting at 11:59 PM and reaches the bottom of its tower at the stroke of midnight on January 1. It is sometimes referred to as "the big apple" like the city itself; the custom derives from the time signal that used to be given at noon in harbors.Now, many cities in America have their own local version of the New Year's Eve celebration, even while keeping an eye on New York, and the New York-centric aspect of the holiday is diminishing. Many cities, echoing the New York tradition of dropping a ball, also drop or lower an object (or an enlarged representation of an object), usually one of local significance. Some of these New Year's Eve objects include:· Atlanta, Georgia - a peach · Miami, Florida - an orange · Raleigh, North Carolina - an acorn · Flagstaff, Arizona - a pinecone · Key West, Florida - a conch shell, a pirate wench and a red high-heel shoe · Brasstown, North Carolina - a live opossum in a cage · Port Clinton, Ohio - a walleye fish · Cleona, Pennsylvania - a pretzel · Hummelstown, Pennsylvania - a lollipop · Liverpool, Pennsylvania - a canal boat · Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania - a wrenchFirst NightAs a family-friendly, non-alcoholic celebration of the coming New Year, many communities have started sponsoring "First Night" celebrations. Typical events might include musical entertainment, arcades, and carnival attractions. New Year HolidaysThroughout history all around the world New Year has been welcomed on different dates. Great Britain and its colonies in America adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, in which January 1st was selected as New Year's Day.The New Year Holiday enjoyments and celebrations are different for different customs and religions. For example people in Moslem societies, celebrate the New Year Holidays by wearing new clothes. Southeast Asians release birds and turtles to assure themselves good luck in the twelve months ahead. Mostly for them New Year holidays start from Christmas only. Jewish consider the New Year day holy, and hold a religious ceremony at a meal with special foods. According to their beliefs New Year day marks a fresh beginning. Hindus of India leave shrines next to their beds, so they can see beautiful objects at the start of the New Year. They also believe in enjoying New Year holidays with decorating the streets with lights and burning crackers.Whatever the custom, most of people feel the same sentiment. With a new year, we can expect a new life. We wish each other good luck and promise ourselves to do better in the following year.So each year people from all around the world welcome a brand new year with joy, hope and excitement. It's also a perfect time for families to plan their holidays. In western countries holiday mood advents from Christmas time only. It is in this time of the year people plan elaborate holidays and vacations. Markets are flooded with tour packages.New Year Holidays are even more popular than Christmas holidays. Taking a New Year holiday abroad is more popular than ever, not just to the holiday resorts of the Europe but also to the more exotic holiday destinations such as Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.A New Year holiday for two-week holidays and including Christmas is most popular. The day of the week on which the New Year holiday falls varies from year to year and as a result, prices for New Year holidays are difficult to compare on a year-to-year basis. The fact that New Year holidays are more popular than Christmas may also complicate both availability and pricing. Perhaps the greatest demand for New Year holidays is for two-week holidays that cover both the Christmas holiday and New Year holiday period.For many, a holiday over the New Year holiday period is the ideal way to take a break from the cold and rain of the winter months. New Year holidays are perhaps the best time of year to go somewhere hot and warm. New Year LyricsNew year is a time when music, songs and rhythms fill the air. It's party time and a lotta fun. So here are some evergreen foot tapping music to make the evening a grand spectacle.The songs listed below are some of the most famous new year songs. And to make your karaoke party rock we bring forward the lyrics of these songs especially for you.Happy New YearAbbaNo more champagneAnd the fireworks are throughHere we are, me and youFeeling lost and feeling blueIt's the end of the partyAnd the morning seems so greySo unlike yesterdayNow's the time for us to say...Happy new yearHappy new yearMay we all have a vision now and thenOf a world where every neighbour is a friendHappy new yearHappy new yearMay we all have our hopes, our will to tryIf we don't we might as well lay down and dieYou and iSometimes I seeHow the brave new world arrivesAnd I see how it thrivesIn the ashes of our livesOh yes, man is a foolAnd he thinks he'll be okayDragging on, feet of clayNever knowing he's astrayKeeps on going anyway...Happy new yearHappy new yearMay we all have a vision now and thenOf a world where every neighbour is a friendHappy new yearHappy new yearMay we all have our hopes, our will to tryIf we don't we might as well lay down and dieYou and iSeems to me nowThat the dreams we had beforeAre all dead, nothing moreThan confetti on the floorIt's the end of a decadeIn another ten years timeWho can say what we'll findWhat lies waiting down the lineIn the end of eighty-nine...Happy new yearHappy new yearMay we all have a vision now and thenOf a world where every neighbour is a friendHappy new yearHappy new yearMay we all have our hopes, our will to tryIf we don't we might as well lay down and dieYou and iNew Year's DayU2All is quiet on new year's day,A world in white gets underway,And I want to be with you,Be with you night and day.Nothing changes on new year's day.I will be with you again.I will be with you again.Under a blood-red skyA crowd has gathered in black and white.Arms entwined, the chosen few,Newspapers say, it says it's true.And we can break through,Though torn in two we can be one.I will begin again, I will begin again.Oh and maybe the time is right,Oh maybe tonight.I will be with you again.I will be with you again.And so we are told this is the golden ageAnd gold is the reason for the wars we wage.Though I want to be with you,To be with you night and day.Nothing changes on new year's day.New Year In Different LanguagesHow New Year is said around the world1. Arabic: Kul 'aam u antum salimoun2. Chinese: Chu Shen Tan3. Czechoslavakia: Scastny Novy Rok4. Dutch: Gullukkig Niuw Jaar5. Finnish: Onnellista Uutta Vuotta6. French: Bonne Annee7. German: Prosit Neujahr8. Greek: Eftecheezmaenos o Kaenooryos hronos9. Hebrew: L'Shannah Tovah Tikatevu10. Hindi: Niya Saa Moobaarak11. Irish (Gaelic): Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit 12. Italian: Buon Capodanno13. Khmer: Sua Sdei tfnam tmei14. Laotian: Sabai dee pee mai15. Polish: Szczesliwego Nowego Roku16. Portuguese: Feliz Ano Novo17. Russian: S Novim Godom18. Serbo-Croatian: Scecna nova godina19. Spanish: Feliz Ano Neuvo20. Prospero Ano Nuevo21. Turkish: Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun22. Vietnamese: Cung-Chuc Tan- Xuan New Year HistoryAround the WorldNew year is celebrated all around the world though not at a single time. This is because people in different parts of the world use different calendars. Some calendars are based on the movement of the moon, others are based on the position of the sun, while others are based on both the sun and the moon. All over the world, there are special beliefs about New Year.Ancient EgyptIn ancient Egypt, New Year was celebrated near the end of September when River Nile flooded. The flooding of the Nile was considered very important because without it, the people would not have been able to grow crops in the dry desert.At New Year, statues of the god, Amon and his wife and son were taken up the Nile by boat. Singing, dancing, and feasting was done for a month, and then the statues were taken back to the temple.BabyloniaBabylonia lay in what is now the country of Iraq. Their New Year was in the Spring season. . At this time they celebrate the arrival of the spring rains and the renewal of nature, as well as the renewal of the community.On day three the king is put through the ritual of humiliation. All of his powers are removed and a priest, who tells him he must go and pray for forgiveness of his sins, hits him in the face. Three days later he reappears and is absolved. His royal crest is restored, ceremonies are performed to ensure that nature will support him during the coming year and then he takes part in a procession. After the procession the next three days are full of chaotic activities of all sorts.On the very last day, that is the tenth day of the festival, a banquet was held to celebrate the restoration of order to the society or the community.The RomansFor many years the Romans celebrated New Year on the first of March. Then, in 46 BC, the Emperor Julius Caesar began a new calendar. It was the calendar that we still use today, and thus the New Year date was changed to the first day of January. January is named after the Roman god Janus, who was always shown as having two heads. He looked back to the last year and forward to the new one.The Roman New Year festival was called the Calends, and people decorated their homes and gave each other gifts. Slaves and their masters ate and drank together, and people could do what they wanted to for a few days.The CeltsThe Celts were the people who lived in Gaul, now called France, and parts of Britain before the Romans arrived there. Their New Year festival was called Samhain. It took place at the end of October, and Samhain means 'summer's end'.At Samhain, the Celts gathered mistletoe to keep ghosts away, because they believed this was the time when the ghosts of the dead returned to haunt the living.