|
Since 1691 New Year is celebrated on January 1 in the Christian cultures. The church celebrates the feast since the 6th century. The interval between Christmas and New Year (eight days) is no coincidence - the intention was to commemorate the circumcision of Jesus Christ (Jewish boys get circumcised eight days after their birth). Therefore this counting of years from January 1 is also called the circumcision style. However, other than the counting of years implies, Jesus was not born in the year 0. The Jewish governor of the Roman Empire in Israel, Herod the Great, died already in the year 4 BC and the birth of Christ took place during his government. He also ordered the "Child murder of Bethlehem". The year 7 BC is said to be the real "year 0". 
In Germany the main thing about New Year are the fireworks at midnight. Every year people spend a lot of money for this fun. The New Year is also greeted with sparkling wine or champagne. These two things - fireworks and champagne - are the "basics" of the New Year celebrations. 
Of course there are big parties given everywhere - some promoters organize real "events", where things can get pretty lively. Many people also have good intentions for the New Year - to stop smoking, to lose 10 kilos of weight, to do more sports, etc. - however, most of it is never put into practice.
New Year is also the time of "lucky charms" and "fortune tellers". Chimney sweeper dolls, little marzipan pigs and similar items go the rounds. With the help of "leadcasting" it is said to be possible to predict what will happen during the following year. Magazines are full of horoscopes and fortune tellers offer their services. Oddly enough, people seem to be particularly superstitious around New Year - although strictly speaking, there are usually no big changes in the life of a person at the beginning of New Year - except if they start a new job or something similar, which can just as well happen during the year.
|
