Evening star. [volume], December 30, 1956, Page 7, Image 120

About Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972

Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC

                
minds on money, too—gold. They’ll keep all-night vigils, amid
flowers, candles and incense, in ancient Indian ruins. As the
clock tolls 12, if a rooster runs from the ruins and is immediately
caught and locked in a box—well, they say, he’ll turn to gold.
Outdoor fireworks, in general, herald the birth of the New
Year around the world. Some Yugoslavs, as midnight arrives,
go one better. They set off firecrackers tied to pine trees adorning
the rooms of their stone houses. This is followed by exchanging
presents and night-long street revelry, when strangers are
welcomed into homes for food and drink.
In the Soviet Union, the New Year’s celebration is a gala
gift-giving occasion, not unlike our Christmas. During New Year’s
parties, they decorate their traditional fir trees. Banquets are
plentiful. But nothing is eaten before the clock strikes 12—and
after delivery of the midnight message by the President of the
Presidium of the Supreme Soviet—in this instance. K. Y. Voroshilov.
In Germany, residents fire rifles to salute the New Year. Also,
at this time, molten lead sizzles as it is dropped into water.
Noting the shape it then takes, a young man may say:
‘‘Look, the lead resembles a ship. This year I will travel!”
A girl may say: “I see the form of a man. This may well be
my wedding year!”
At midnight, the windows of Swedish towns will be wide open,
as the sound of cathedral bells floating through the rooms is
said to bring happiness for the coming year. Iceland, Turkey,
France and the Christian segments of such nations as India and
Pakistan will join the United States in similar-type funmaking
at the stroke of 12. In fact, in nearly all lands it is a night of
feasting and well wishing.
And whether it be Sweden’s Gott Nytt Ar, Spain’s Feliz y
Prospero Ano Nuevo or Yugoslavia's Sretna Nova Godina —the
words add up to the same high spirit the world over:
Happy New Year!
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In Spain, especially in Madrid, couples eat a grape for each time
the clock strikes. Lt. Col. Arturo Pardo, assistant air attache of the
Spanish Embassy, and Senorita Teresa Aviles demonstrate the custom.
THE SUNDAY STAS MAGAZINE, WASHINGTON. D. C.. DECEMBER 30. 1996
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British Information Services
Piccadilly Circus is the London equivalent of Times Square, and consequently is
packed with cheering people at the year's end as thousands greet the incoming year.
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AP Wirephoto
For bright lights, noise and good-natured banter, you can't beat Times Square
when midnight rolls around It probably will look like this tomorrow night.
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