I’ve often wondered about the phrase “ringing in the New Year.”
Celebrating the passing of the old year into the new may mean many different sounds. You may hear the sound of fireworks, raucous cheers, or clinking champagne toasts. But ringing? Not so much.
After a bit of research, I discovered that “ringing in the New Year” is deeply embedded in our cultural celebrations. This expression originates from the age-old practice of ringing church bells to mark significant events.
Origins of the phrase
Historically, church bells have played a crucial role in community life. They often signaled various events from daily services to important announcements. The tradition of ringing bells to usher in the New Year dates back several centuries.
In many cultures, bells were believed to ward off evil spirits and cleanse the old year’s misfortunes, making way for a fresh start. This practice led to the popularization of the term “ringing in the New Year” and using bells to welcome the new year.
First celebrations
The concept of celebrating the New Year is ancient, with one of the earliest recorded festivities dating back to ancient Babylon around 2000 B.C.
These celebrations, known as Akitu, were held during the first new moon after the vernal equinox. They involved various rituals, including feasts and ceremonies. The symbolism of marking the transition to a new year has been a consistent theme throughout history.
Honking in the New Year?
A few years ago, we celebrated the New Year with a festive but atypical sound—honking! That’s right! As the old year turned “new,” a parade of trucks, cars, bicycles, and golf carts slowly meandered throughout the campground, honking to welcome the New Year.
Now, before anyone becomes upset about the noise pollution or unneighborly campground behavior, you should know that the parade commenced at the stroke of twelve—noon. A potluck luncheon followed, and everyone in the small campground happily attended. It was great!
How did you ring in the New Year? Tell us in the comments below.
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Thank you, Gail! How? Not at all. DW was in bed and I was watching something recorded.
Years, decades really, ago I ran a local race on new year’s eve. The first year it began at midnight, I think. Subsequent versions began at 8 or 9 PM. It was a fund-raiser for a local girl receiving treatment at St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital in Memphis. She was honorary race starter the first year. After she died, one of her family started the race. Happy new year and safe travels! 🙂