# data[].attributes.body
The Times Square Ball drop is an essential New Year's Eve tradition in New York City, drawing massive crowds and captivating millions worldwide. First occurring in 1907, the descent of the glittering geodesic sphere from a top One Times Square marks the final seconds of the

departing year and the arrival of the new. Its importance lies in its symbolic representation of time, renewal, and hope for the future. The ball itself has evolved over the years, from a simple iron and wood structure to the modern, technologically advanced spectacle of LED lights and Waterford crystal. The event has become deeply ingrained in popular culture, serving as a shared experience that unites people in a collective celebration of new beginnings. The Times Square Ball drop is more than just a countdown; it's a cultural touchstone, a symbol of

optimism, and a vibrant expression of the human desire to mark the passage of time and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.

# data[].attributes.body
Learn the backstory on New Year´s in America.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
New Year festival, any of the social, cultural, and religious observances worldwide that celebrate the beginning of the new year. Such festivals are among the oldest and the most universally observed.

The earliest known record of a New Year festival dates from about 2000 bce in Mesopotamia, where in Babylonia the new year (Akitu) began with the new moon after the spring equinox (mid-March) and in Assyria with the new moon nearest the autumn equinox (mid-September). For the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Persians the year began with the autumn equinox (September 21), and for the early Greeks it began with the winter solstice (December 21). On the Roman republican calendar the year began on March 1, but after 153 bce the official date was January 1, which was continued in the Julian calendar of 46 bce.

In early medieval times most of Christian Europe regarded March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, as the beginning of the new year, although New Year's Day was observed on December 25 in Anglo-Saxon England. William the Conqueror decreed that the year begin on January 1, but England later joined the rest of Christendom and adopted March 25. The Gregorian calendar, adopted in 1582 by the Roman Catholic Church, restored January 1 as New Year's Day, and most European countries gradually followed suit: Scotland, in 1660; Germany and Denmark, about 1700; England, in 1752; and Russia, in 1918.

Those religions and cultures using a lunar calendar have continued to observe the beginning of the year on days other than January 1. In the Jewish religious calendar, for example, the year begins on Rosh Hashana, the first day of the month of Tishri, which falls between September 6 and October 5. The Muslim calendar normally has 354 days in each year, with the new year beginning with the month of Muharram. The Chinese New Year is celebrated officially for a month beginning in late January or early February. Other Asian cultures celebrate the day at various times of the year. In southern India the Tamil celebrate the new year at the winter solstice; Tibetans observe the day in February; and in Thailand the day is celebrated in March or April. The Japanese have a three-day celebration January 1-3.

Many of the customs of New Year festivals note the passing of time with both regret and anticipation. The baby as a symbol of the new year dates to the ancient Greeks, with an old man representing the year that has passed. The Romans derived the name for the month of January from their god Janus, who had two faces, one looking backward and the other forward. The practice of making resolutions to rid oneself of bad habits and to adopt better ones also dates to ancient times. Some believe the Babylonians began the custom more than 4,000 years ago. These early resolutions were likely made in an attempt to curry favour with the gods. In the West, particularly in English-speaking countries, the nostalgic Scottish ballad " Auld Lang Syne," revised by the poet Robert Burns, is often sung on New Year's Eve.

Symbolic foods are often part of the festivities. Many Europeans, for example, eat cabbage or other greens to ensure prosperity in the coming year, while people in the American South favour black-eyed peas for good luck. Throughout Asia special foods such as dumplings, noodles, and rice cakes are eaten, and elaborate dishes feature ingredients whose names or appearance symbolize long life, happiness, wealth, and good fortune.

Because of the belief that what a person does on the first day of the year foretells what he will do for the remainder of the year, gatherings of friends and relatives have long been significant. The first guest to cross the threshold, or "first foot," is significant and may bring good luck if of the right physical type, which varies with location. Public gatherings, as in Times Square in New York City or in Trafalgar Square in London, draw large crowds, and the countdown to the dropping of an electronic ball in Times Square to signify the exact moment at which the new year begins is televised worldwide. The first Rose Bowl Game was played in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 1902, and college football games have come to dominate American television on New Year's Day. The Tournament of Roses parade, featuring floats constructed of live flowers, and the Mummers' Parade in Philadelphia are popular New Year's Day events.

Many people mark the new year with religious observances, as, for example, on Rosh Hashana. Buddhist monks are presented with gifts on the day, and Hindus make oblations to the gods. In Japan visits are sometimes made to Shintō shrines of tutelary deities or to Buddhist temples. Chinese make offerings to gods of the hearth and wealth and to ancestors.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
New Year festival | Definition, History, Traditions, & Facts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
New Year festival, any of the social, cultural, and religious observations worldwide that celebrate the beginning of the new year. Such festivals are among the oldest and the most universally observed. Learn more about New Year festivals in this article.

# data[].attributes.body
The tradition of giving red envelopes, or hongbao, in Chinese culture stems from the belief that the color red symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and wards off evil spirits. Originally, the envelopes contained actual money, meant to suppress the evil spirits and protect children as they grew older. Over time, this evolved into a gesture of bestowing good fortune and blessings, particularly during the Lunar New Year and other special occasions like weddings and birthdays. The act of giving and receiving red envelopes strengthens social bonds and express well wishes for the recipient´s health, happiness, and success in the coming year. The amount of money given is less important than the symbolic gesture itself, representing the giver´s goodwill and care.

# data[].attributes.body
A popular practice in the Philippines is to jump up and down with pockets, or hands full of coins. This practice is usually done at 12:00 a.m. to go into the new year with hope to bring money into their life. This tradition is believed to bring good fortune. Some people also scatter coins around their house at every nook and corner, inside drawers, on tables and anywhere they believe will bring them luck and money.

# data[].attributes.headline
Brazil: start the new year on an elevated surface, right foot

# data[].attributes.subject
Brazil: start the new year on an elevated surface, right foot

# data[].attributes.body
To start the new year on a good note, make sure to countdown to midnight from an elevated surface. Stand on a sturdy chair, climb up on a table, or get on someones shoulders until midnight, and step down on the right foot. Beginning the new year on the right foot means to begin the new year by taking positive steps, setting good intentions, and making a strong start. This symbolizes setting yourself up for success from the very beginning; it´s an idiom signifying a fresh start with a positive outlook.

# data[].attributes.headline
Philippines: Eat sticky rice and round fruits 

# data[].attributes.subject
Philippines: Eat sticky rice and round fruits 

# data[].attributes.body
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, Filipinos embark on a joyous journey into the coming year. The selection of round fruits and the indulgence in sticky rice dishes aren't just culinary choices; they are symbols of prosperity, togetherness, and the belief that the coming year will be as sweet and abundant as the feast spread on New Year's Eve. It's a tradition that emphasizes the importance of family, community, and shared optimism. The roots of the round fruits and sticky rice traditions intertwine with a tapestry of Chinese influence and Filipino adaptation. The Chinese believe in the symbolism of round shapes, representing wholeness and continuity. Filipinos, with their open hearts and rich cultural heritage, embraced this concept, adding their own unique twist to create a tradition that is both meaningful and delicious. An intriguing historical anecdote surrounds a small village where a fruit vendor decided to sell only round fruits during the New Year. The idea caught on, and soon, the entire village was draped in the colors and shapes of prosperity. This small act of celebration turned into a tradition that spread throughout the archipelago.

# data[].attributes.body
The pomegranate as a hope-filled symbol has been part of many holiday and culinary traditions. This fruit is a lucky symbol in Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and many countries' art and cuisine. Pomegranates represent all of the things we associate with the new year and the hopefully imminent arrival of spring. To this day, there's a special New Year's Day tradition amongst Greek communities that involves smashing open a pomegranate on the porch to symbolize well-wishing for an abundant, luck-filled year ahead. In this tradition, the larger the seed splatter, the more luck you'll have.

# data[].attributes.body
This video shows the preparation of the New Year in China. In China there are a bunch of different traditions and celebrations that they do to have a prepare in the coming year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Lunar New Year for Kids | Educational Video

# data[].attributes.body
This year has been the most challenging, stressful, and life learning. this song carries a message of hope and acceptance. It reminds us that sometimes, the best thing we can do is let go and trust that everything will work out in the end. In the song it says,

¨Let it be, let it be

Let it be, yeah, let it be

Whisper words of wisdom

Let it be

And when the night is cloudy

There is still a light that shines on me¨

I have learned so much this year. Even though it feels like the end of the world there will always be people there for you to help you every step of the way. It is important not to depend on someone for your happiness. I met someone and thought that they were my world, but I was wrong. I could not help but grieve over them. My friends were there for me the whole time, and I am very greatful for them.

# data[].attributes.body
This year was a long life lesson. I have made so many friends that I am so greatful for. I have met a lot of people who I will always remember and love. I am scared to show my emotions and true feelings to anyone because they could reject me. Even though that has happened to me I still try to push through because I know it is not worth it to cry. My friends have helped me every step of the way.