Celebrating the New Year

Now a VOA Special English program for the New Year's holiday. Here is Maurice Joyce.



Now, almost everyone celebrates New Year's Day on January first. Today, as before, people observe the New Year's holiday in many different ways.


This idea of admitting wrongs and finishing the business of the old year is found in many societies at new year's. So is the idea of making resolutions. A resolution is a promise to change your ways. To stop smoking, for example. Or to get more physical exercise.

Noise-making is another ancient custom at the new year. The noise is considered necessary to chase away the evil spirits of the old year. People around the world do different things to make a lot of noise. They may hit sticks together. Or beat on drums. Or blow horns. Or explode fireworks.

Americans celebrate the New Year in many ways.

Most do not have to go to work or school. So they visit family and friends. Attend church services. Share a holiday meal. Or watch new year's parades on television. Two of the most famous parades are the Mummer's Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Both have existed for many years.


For those who have been busy at work or school, New Year's may be a day of rest. They spend the time thinking about, and preparing for, the demands of the new year.

Voice of America Special English

Source: SPECIAL PROGRAM - January 1, 2002: Celebrating the New Year
TEXT = http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/archive/2001-12/a-2001-12-28-4-1.cfm?renderforprint=1