Wishing you the best this New Year

0

As we prepare our pork and sauerkraut we have an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of the past year and prepare for the coming year. New Years is celebrated differently around the world which raises the question; how did the New Year’s celebration start, and why is January 1st the first day of a new year?

Looking back, the holiday of the New Year dates back 4,000 years ago in Babylon. This holiday was very different back then than it is today, but it still consisted of delicious food and festivities full of celebration all throughout the land. Although this was considered the New Year, it wasn’t until Julius Caesar that January 1st would be credited as the year’s first day. New Year’s has always sparked many celebrations across the globe of many different traditions.

One of these traditions includes eating grapes by the dozen in Spain on New Year’s Eve as a tradition for hope for the coming months. Pork is also popular to serve in many countries as pigs often represent prosperity. Other traditions include hiding an almond inside rice pudding giving twelve months of good luck to whoever uncovers it. As you can see, there are traditions scattered across the globe and the United States is no different.

In the United States, we are all reminded of the iconic dropping of the ball in Times Square. As the clock ticks down to midnight, the giant ball of many colors starts it’s descent to the ground and to the coming year. This event is watched throughout the world and has become our landmark on this historic day. The New Year is full of celebration wherever you are on the globe, and this year will be no different. With many people starting 2016 with a fresh start and many resolutions, it is sure to be quite the occasion.

From a legislative perspective this will be a very important year to continue discussing the drug problem that has been burdening our communities for several years. Raising awareness about this issue and working for reforms that keep drugs out of the hands of children remains the top issue for 2016. I hope you had a very merry Christmas and wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.

Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyjanuary2016

-30-

This undated photo provided by the Ohio House of Representatives shows Rep. Jim Buchy. he Ohio House is expected to consider a bill that would shield the names of companies that provide the state with lethal injection drugs. Buchy is one of the bills sponsors. The bill is among several the House planned to vote on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 as lawmakers finish work for the two-year legislative session. The Senate passed it last week. (AP Photo/Ohio House of Representatives)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2015/12/web1_18f02dca703f7e31680f6a70670044353.jpgThis undated photo provided by the Ohio House of Representatives shows Rep. Jim Buchy. he Ohio House is expected to consider a bill that would shield the names of companies that provide the state with lethal injection drugs. Buchy is one of the bills sponsors. The bill is among several the House planned to vote on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 as lawmakers finish work for the two-year legislative session. The Senate passed it last week. (AP Photo/Ohio House of Representatives)

By Rep. Jim Buchy

Rep. Jim Buchy can be reached by emailing [email protected] or calling 614-446-6344. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

No posts to display