Passion Parade: Heralding A New Year

Text and pix by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

New Year joys to Someone Truly LOVABLE

New Year Day is observed on 1st January, the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar while the New Year’s Eve is celebrated on the last day of the year – 31st December.

In many countries, New Year’s eve is celebrated at evening social gatherings, where many people dance, eat, drink alcoholic beverages, an watch or light fireworks to mark the New Year. Some attend to watch night service. The celebrations generally go past midnight into 1st January (New Year’s Day).

People also have a tradition of sending greeting cards to celebrate New Year. Hallmark Cards and American Greetings are the largest producers of greeting cards in the world. In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that one billion pounds are spent on greeting cards every year, with the average person sending 55 cards per year.

In western countries, and increasingly in other societies, many people traditionally mail seasonally themed cards to their friends and relatives in December. With the practice of sending greeting cards becoming universally accepted, non religious messages are becoming very popular.

John Beeder, former President of Greeting Card Association, an international trade organization representing the interests of greeting card and stationary manufacturers say, greeting cards are effective tools to communicate important feeling to people you care about: “Anyone feels great when they receive an unexpected card in the mail. For me, there’s nothing like a greeting card to send a special message. I’m proud to be a part of an industry that not only keeps people connected, but uses both imagery and the power of words help us express our emotions”.

There are different ways to usher in the New Year, and lightning firecrackers is one popular mode. In European countries, the New Year is greeted with lighting fireworks. This day is also the occasion to make bonfires of discarded Christmas trees in some countries.

On New Year’s Day, people in certain countries gather on beaches and run into the water to celebrate the New Year. In Canada, the Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, the United States of America and the Netherlands this is very popular. These events are sometimes known as “polar bear plunges”, and are sometimes organized by groups to raise money for charity. Polar Bear Clubs in many Northern Hemisphere cities near bodies of water, have a tradition of holding organized plunges on New Year’s Day.

1st is the first day of the modern Gregorian and Julian calendars. There are various calendars, linked to various cultures. But the Gregorian calendar has been adopted by all the countries as the official calendar, making 1st January the beginning of a new calendar year for everyone.

New Year is not just another celebration. It marks new beginnings and generates fresh hope. As people around the world are currently getting ready to welcome the year 2013, there are many symbols associated with the festive season; including bonfires, firecrackers, sparklers, special food items, floral arrangements, gifts, greeting cards and dresses and last but not the least-prayers.

In preparation for 2013, Colombo too donned its festive gear with city streets, markets, malls, hotels and restaurants looking eager to welcome the New Year with a sparkle.