European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - December 01, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse Page 18 produced by 104th ask marketing & advertising i 104thasg thursday december 1,1994 _. Ujj ring in the r Andrea Maglisceau Media coordinator Slop sri joking. Lose weight. Manage stress better workout everyday we All do it. Some of us spend we Fps thinking of precise wording while others come up with a Spur of the moment at the strike of Midnight idea. Whatever the method it s still a new year s Resolution. The new year is seen As a time of rebirth and new beginnings a magical clean slate. And in a Way Iris a Over the world in every country and culture people ring in the new year with excitement and High Hopes for the future. The actual Date of new year s Day has varied throughout history and several cultures still recognize their own new year in addition to or instead of the Calendar Date of Jan. 1. For orthodox jews the Date of Adam s creation signifies a new year. Their Celebration Rosh a Shanah is in mid september. The chinese have a different Calendar on which the new year Falls Between Jan. 21 and feb. 19 Early christians fluctuated Between Jesus birthday and resurrection to be the first Day of the new year. The Issue As finally settled in-1582 by Pope Gregory Xiii who designated Jan 1 As new year s Day. This decision was gradually accepted in Continental Europe but it was almost 200 years before England and the american colonies agreed to the change. Living in Gem any we see different new year s eve practices. For instance were you just a bit surprised when you heard fireworks outside your window on your first new year s eve Here this symbolically chases away the old year which is based on the older Pagan practice of scaring away a year s Worth of accumulated evil spirits. In some areas German Christmas shooting clubs meet and fire their weapons on Christmas eve and new year s eve. Germans also have an interesting custom of new year s eve Fortune telling. On this night people melt a Blei Giessen which is a Little piece of Lead shaped into a Lucky Symbol like a Horseshoe or mushroom by placing it in a spoon and holding it Over a Candle. The person whose Fortune is being told pours the liquid into a bowl and reads the shape of it to reveal what the coming, in store. It s kind of like a melted Metal Rorschach Fortune Teller people in Northern Dennany have an interesting new year s Day custom. Women spend several Days making thin crispy of ice Cream co nes. Then on new years Days a people meet at one another s Homes where each visitor receives a Waffle. These gatherings Are intended to reaffirm friendships for the coming year. In America we had a similar custom of men visiting every one and receiving eggnog or Brandy. But it was very superficial with men going to As Many Homes As possible and ladies counting calling cards and making comments on who had not come by. As our culture relaxed and became less formal this practice dwindled we americans All know about our favorite Way of ringing in the new year new year s eve parties. Traditionally these Are Black tie occasions. The Nice clothing is reminiscent of the Days when people changed into new clothes As a Symbol of a fresh Start and the forgetting of past transgressions. Though the attire May be formal the Demeanour is not. People tend 16 be less inhibited and More frivolous the last 10 seconds until Midnight Are counted Down and at the strike of Midnight off key renditions of Aitla Lang syne Thunder throughout the crowd. This is intended As a reminder that we once had close friends with whom we be lost touch and forgot ten but we should recognize that we be forgotten them and take a moment to show our respect. Of course we americans Are Quick to turn our backs on the past. Even As Aitla Lang a syne continues we Seal friendships for the new year Witolf kisses to everyone within reach. It s important to keep in mind though thai the first and longest kiss must go to your significant other. That s to ensure an excellent relationship through out the be Pryear. _ ,_._.-. _ new year s Blue Crystal canopy club 3 $6,Niberg Capri club Hanau Rod & gun club 685, s $ Flat 2 3xc& a x Moc Bernahe Cufr 6 of Mac. 5 bldg. 825, Pines inn st47$3, we go Rainbow club top of the Rock less depot 3436.13-t i 5 wishing you Tow jct to the lit Man Kimly mar facilities provide last minute shopping solutions by 104th ask marketing you had All your Holiday shopping done in time to get everything in the mail. Family and friends Back Home will have terrific goodies to open Dri Christmas Day. Take a deep breath and relax you did Vordi a you Whatt about your wife or Boyfriend what about your son or your Best Friend Here Are a few ideas to til i that last minute shopping Gap. _ theater tickets make perfect gifts. _ several great shows and dinner theater performances run after the holidays such As Ramico und Julie la Kilt \ s d
