Watching the “Ball Drop” in Times Square

 

 

Every year, about two million people gather in New York City’s Times Square to watch the famous “ball drop.” This tradition began in 1907 with a 700-pound ball that was slowly lowered down a pole until it reached the ground at midnight. Today, ball is 11,875 pounds and covered in sparkling Waterford crystals. For all of those unable to witness this annual tradition in person, the ball drop is broadcasted both nationally and internationally, with about one billion people worldwide crowding around their TV screens to count down the seconds until the ball reaches the ground in time to usher in the new year!

The New Year’s Kiss

 

 

After counting down the seconds to midnight, many share a special New Year’s Eve kiss! The tradition stems from the belief that kissing someone at midnight will prevent loneliness during the coming year and ward off evil spirits!

New Year’s Resolutions

This popular tradition is infamously short-lived for many participants! That’s not to say we shouldn’t all strive to achieve a goal or to change our habits in the New Year. Many decide to set goals for themselves, such as staying fit and healthy, or spending more time with family and friends. No matter how it goes, it’s always fun to see how long you can make your resolutions last!

Hoppin’ John

 

 

Hoppin’ John is a popular Southern dish of black-eyed peas, pork, and rice, eaten on New Year’s Day to bring good luck. The black-eyed peas are thought to symbolize coins. As a result, legend has it that eating this dish will bring prosperity and a year of good luck. The source of this dish can be traced back to slavery and the slave trade, and may stem from West African dishes.

“Auld Lang Syne”

 

 

This Scottish ballad penned by poet Robert Burns is a popular tune for Americans on New Year’s Eve. Despite being written over two hundred years ago, it quickly became associated with New Year’s Eve in the United States when a performance by singer Guy Lombardo and his band was broadcasted nationally 1929. Hollywood ran away with it, and the song soon became synonymous with the holiday!

According to americahousekyiv.org