Fact 1: The Origin of December 31
Interestingly, the date December 31 hasn’t always marked the end of the year. In ancient Rome, the calendar had only 10 months, and it ended in December, from the Latin word "decem," meaning ten. After a calendar reformation under Julius Caesar, giving us the Julian calendar, two additional months were added, making December the twelfth month, with December 31 as the final day of the year.
Fact 2: Celebrating New Year's Eve is Ancient
Although we associate December 31 with the modern celebration of New Year’s Eve, the tradition of celebrating the end of a year is actually incredibly old. Indeed, the ancient Babylonians were the first to hold celebrations honoring the new year over 4,000 years ago.
Fact 3: The First New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Here’s another historical fact: the first New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square took place in 1907. Contrary to popular belief, however, the ball wasn't made of crystal but of iron and wood. It was lit by hundreds of incandescent light bulbs.
Fact 4: Why We Celebrate on December 31
The reason we celebrate New Year’s Eve on December 31 is due to the implementation of the Gregorian calendar in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. Before this, some cultures celebrated the new year in the spring equinox or the winter solstice.
Fact 5: The Importance of December 31 in the Philippines
In the Philippines, December 31 holds additional significance. Filipinos follow a number of superstitious practices on New Year's Eve in order to encourage a prosperous new year. These include making loud noise to scare off evil spirits, jumping high at midnight to grow taller, and turning on all lights in the house at midnight to bring in good luck.
Fact 6: The Connection to Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar officially declared January 1 as the first day of the year in 46 B.C, but December 31 gained significance as the last day of the old year, hence marking it as a day of transition and celebration.
Fact 7: Scottish New Year's Eve Celebrations
In Scotland, December 31 begins a two-day, joyous celebration known as Hogmanay. The Scots celebrate with fireball swinging, where participants swing blazing balls of fire over their heads before throwing them into the harbor to scare off evil spirits.
Fact 8: The New Year's Baby Tradition
The tradition of welcoming the New Year with an image of a baby dates back to ancient Greece. The baby symbolizes rebirth and the passing of the old year. It is said that the Germans brought this tradition to America.
Fact 9: The Times Square Ball
The Times Square Ball, which drops to mark the New Year every December 31, has undergone several transformations. It initially weighed 700 pounds and was made of iron, wood, and light bulbs. Today, the ball weighs nearly 12,000 pounds and is adorned with thousands of Waterford crystals.
Fact 10: A Day of Many Names
December 31 is observed worldwide under various names. It's known as Old Year’s Day or Saint Sylvester’s Day in many countries in Europe, including France, Italy Germany, and Poland.
Fact 11: Sparkling Wine Consumption
More sparkling wine is consumed on December 31 than any other day of the year. This trend has been attributed to the global celebration of the New Year.
Fact 12: The Kissing Tradition
The tradition of kissing at midnight isn’t just a fun way to welcome the New Year, it is believed to originate from German and English folklore which claimed the first person you encounter in a new year could set that year's tone.
Fact 13: Record-Breaking Fireworks in Dubai
On December 31, 2013, Dubai broke the World Record for the largest fireworks display. They launched 479,651 shells in just six minutes, which is a dizzying rate of nearly 80,000 a minute and over 1,300 each second.
Fact 14: December 31 in Spain
In Spain, a unique tradition is followed each December 31 at midnight. Spaniards try to eat 12 grapes, one for each stroke of the clock, as quickly as possible. Successfully doing so is thought to bring good luck for the coming year.
Fact 15: The Song That’s Always Sung
"Old Lang Syne", a song written by Robert Burns in the 1700s, is traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight on December 31 all over the world to bid farewell to the old year.
Fact 16: The Most Common Resolution
According to various surveys, the most common New Year’s resolution people make on December 31 is to get fit and healthy.
Fact 17: December 31 in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, December 31 is marked by the massive consumption of Oliebollen, a type of Dutch doughnut, and by lighting bonfires to burn Christmas trees and say goodbye to the old year.
Fact 18: Leap Years and December 31
In leap years, December 31 is typically the 366th and final day, unlike common years where it is the 365th day.
Fact 19: December 31 in Japan
In Japan, December 31 (Omīsoka) ends with the ringing of temple bells 108 times at midnight, echoing the Buddhist belief that this will cleanse them of the 108 earthly desires.
Fact 20: Time Zone Celebrations
The Pacific island nations of Kiribati and Samoa are the first to welcome the New Year, while Baker Island, an unorganized, unincorporated territory of the United States, is one of the last. Each year, we get a multitudinous, staggered display of fireworks and celebrations as each time zone globally ushers in the new year.