...and begin this wondrous new year by believing”
Happy New Year’s Eve!
On the last day of 2022, I wanted to take the time to consider both the end of a year and the start of a new year, the history of annual celebrations and its significance.
Having recently enjoyed a Harry Potter - themed afternoon tea experience, I thought it would be great to consider the magic of this time of year, and how we can ensure that the start to the new year is as magical as possible. It was lovely to take time to enjoy lovely food in good company and share the magic with others around, considering how the Harry Potter world is brought to life.
Here is a magical quote for you to enjoy:
"Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open." — Albus Dumbledore
A lovely way to show how we can unite with those around us, even if it seems as if there are too many differences…
“In order to be successful in the new year, stay focused, develop a positive attitude, and be passionate with your dreams”
Writer Bamigboye Olurotimi said the above inspiring words, and this demonstrates the importance of your attitude towards the new year and changes ahead.
The first records of New Year’s celebrations began approx. 4000-2000BC as Babylonians would have a religious festival named Akitu taken from the Sumerian term for barley. For the Babylonians, the first new moon following the vernal equinox—the day in late March with an equal amount of sunlight and darkness—heralded the start of a new year. Here we see the balance pf light and darkness signalling the start of a new year and the possibilities it can bring.
In the early Roman calendar, there were 10 months or 304 days only. Then, March 1 that marked the New Year. The origin of January 1 marking the New Year dates back to c. 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed the solar-based Julian calendar. This was after the old lunar-based Roman calendar became ineffective. Another reason behind making January 1 the start of the New Year was to honor Janus — the Roman god of beginnings who had two faces. This means that he could go back to the past and move forward to the future. Therefore, we can consider this point in time as a momentous occasion for us to reflect back on the previous year but also to look with optimism towards the forthcoming year.
To celebrate the occasion of New Year, ancient Romans people would offer sacrifices to the god of beginnings, add laurel branches to their homes as decorations, and exchange gifts. In the same way, today many countries have their own traditions and celebrations to recognise this special occasion.
In Greece, Mexico, the Netherlands, and many other countries, round cakes symbolize the circle of life. Some put some trinkets or coins inside the cake. Then, if you’re lucky to get it, you’re expected to experience good luck in the coming year.
A popular tradition in Spain includes eating 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve — that’s one grape at each stroke of the clock at midnight. These grapes represent the 12 months, and you have to eat all of them to enjoy a lucky year. Otherwise, the upcoming year might be harsh to you.
Long noodles are thought to give you a longer and healthier life. You’re supposed to eat them while making sure they don’t break in half. Meanwhile, in Japan, people eat soba noodles on NYE to symbolize their journey from the old year to the new one. This also means leaving behind their regrets in the last year.
These are all interesting traditions in their own right and of course many of us consider making New Year’s resolutions…
From becoming healthier, spending more time with family, and pursuing goals and aspirations, to loving ourselves more, we’re all fond of creating New Year’s resolutions. However, did you know that this tradition also started about four millennia ago? Babylonians would make promises to the gods to ask for a better year.
Romans would also offer sacrifices and promise Janus to show good deeds. These include returning farm tools that they borrowed from others and settling their debts.
I am not suggesting that we all have to look to complete a New Year’s resolution for the year ahead, but I think that it is reassuring to learn that history has shown how communities have continued to help one another at the start of a new year, as a way to spread peace and joy. Perhaps it may be a good idea to consider smiling at one person every day, or appreciating Nature every morning on your commute/travelling.
I am delighted to say that I have continued with two more episode of my own mini podcast-type series @snippetswithsitara which featured stars from every walk of life, talking about their own life experiences, how they deal with their challenges and their advice for future generations…the second episode features Rooster CEO and Olympic sailor Steve Cockerill and the most recent episode features BBC Casualty and Call the Midwife star George Rainsford. I am always looking for new individuals to feature in this series, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any suggestions! Please follow the account on Instagram and TikTok @snippetswithsitara to receive the latest updates and episodes!
Thank you for all your continued support for the brand instagram account. I hope your Christmas / festive dinner went well and that you have enjoyed sharing foodie love with family and friends, and are looking forward to creating more fancy foodie creations in 2023!
I conclude the final blog of 2022 with the following words by Meister Eckhart:
“Be willing to be a beginner every single morning”
Enjoy the last few hours of December!
Lots of love,
Sitara xxx
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