Egypt in antiquity celebrated the feast of Opet, which commemorated the sun son, Amon. A statue of the god was brought from Karnak to Luxor, where it was received by the Pharaoh and his family. A great celebration followed, lasting for 24 days, before the god’s image was returned to Karnak by way of the Nile River.
Ancient Rome suspended most rules of social decorum for January Kalends. The parties thrown during this three day holiday were legendary, and perhaps the western idea of drinking heavily at New Year’s celebrations can be traced to Roman roots.
But western cultures are hardly the only ones that ring in the New Year with parties.
The Chinese New Year, or Yuan Tan, which takes place between late January and late February, is famous for fantastic pageantry, massive feasts and fireworks displays. Gifts of money are exchanged, a sure sign that the New Year will bring the recipient good luck and fortune.
In India a major New Year’s celebration is Diwali, which places particular emphasis on the driving out of evil with lights. People give card and small gifts to one another and old quarrels are forgotten.
So as you hoist your flute of champagne tonight, remember that people the world over are celebrating with you, even if it is not on the same day, or in the same way. It just goes to show that in a world as infinitely diverse as ours we all hold the same ideas dear.
