Happy New Year!

'Fireworks'

Photo by Sherie Sloane

A day and a half are what's left of 2009. As the new year gets underway, we'll see fireworks and tunes of 'Auld Lang Syne' will be heard. New Year's celebration is the oldest of all holidays, dating back to 4000 years ago. But did you know that New Year's Day wasn't always celebrated on January 1st?

It used to be late March, which is the beginning of Spring. A logical time to start a year since it's the season of rebirth and blossoming. It was only in 153 B.C. when the Roman Senate declared January 1 as the beginning of a 'new year'.

Different countries celebrate New Year's with their own traditions. Some traditions I fondly remember while growing up are:

• Lighting up fireworks to drive away bad spirits and bad luck. The louder it is, the better.
• Jumping as high as you can soon as midnight strikes, to grow taller.
• Wearing polka-dotted outfits for prosperity.
• The house must be well-lit to invite good luck in every corner.
• And of course, lots and lots of food. You should have twelve kinds of round fruits for luck.

I'm looking forward to share some of these traditions to our own kids when they're old enough. I'll have to make them understand though that practicing these traditions won't guarantee them a better life. But cheerful traditions and positive outlook are sure ways to jumpstart a year wih lots of hope and excitement.

I wish to thank all of you for another year of shared stories and memories. May you and your family have a wonderful and Blessed New Year.