Tradition Of Toasting On New Years If the ancient Greeks and Romans could be magically transported to modern times, chances are strong that much of our current customs would register as foreign. But one particular custom that's part and parcel of New Year's Eve celebrations across the globe might feel more familiar to our hypothetical time travelers. Historians differ as to the origins of the toast, but the concept of toasting to one's own and others' health is evident in the ancient Greek author Homer's "Odyssey," which was written in the eighth century BCE. The "Odyssey" is considered one of the most significant works inn the history of Western literature, and in it Ulysses raises a glass and drinks to the health of Achilles. But the ancient Greeks were not the only ones to emphasize toasting. In fact, during the reign of Emperor Augustus, who was the first official Roman emperor and reigned from 27 BC to AD 14, the Senate decreed that everyone must drink to Augustus at every meal. Since ancient times, various traditions have incorporated raising a glass, whether it's filled with wine, champagne or another beverage. This tradition, now known as "toasting," might be employed to pay homage to a particular individual, wish goodwill upon an individual or individuals (such as at a wedding) or simply in celebration of a special event or day, which is the case when the clock strikes 12 midnight on New Year's Eve. Regardless of who was the first person to raise a glass to honor or celebrate a special individual or occasion, there's no denying this much-enjoyed tradition has a very lengthy history.
Auld Lang Syne They might not realize it, but New Year's Eve celebrants honor a world-renowned Scottish poet and lyricist each time they sing along to "Auld Lang Syne" as the clock strikes 12 midnight on New Year's Eve. Robert Burns wrote "Auld Lang Syne" in 1788 and translations regarding what the phrase means vary. Burns wrote the poem in the Scots language, which is a little known language spoken in Scotland and parts of Ulster in Ireland. The phrase is now widely translated as "times long past," which may explain why it has become the unofficial anthem of New Year's Eve. Lyrics by Robert Burns Lyrics courtesy of Britannica.com Should old acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, And old lang syne? For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne. And surely you'll buy your pint cup! And surely I'll buy mine! And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
Hosting New Year's Brunch
New Year's Day unofficially marks the end of the holiday season. After the turkey and trimmings of Thanksgiving and the gifts galore of Christmas and Chanukah, New Year's presents one final chance to toast to fun and fortune. Chances are good that after an evening of ringing in the New Year and dancing until dawn, most people sleep in and catch up on a few extra hours sleep on January 1. Breakfast may come and go before tired revelers are ready to greet the day. That is what makes brunch so popular on January 1. Brunch is a meal eaten in the late morning or early afternoon - generally between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. It consists of a blend of breakfast and lunch foods. Historical evidence suggests that brunch originated in the British upper classes in the late 19th century. Many upper-class people gave servants partial or full days off on Sundays. Staff would set out buffet spreads in the morning before leaving, enabling homeowners to graze among breakfast and lunch items. It may be challenging to compete with the excitement of New Year's Eve, but a New Year's Day brunch can be just as memorable, especially when planning is a priority. •Send invitations early on. The holiday season is a busy time and people often commit to invitations early on. If you want to host certain guests at the brunch, send out those invitations several weeks in advance.
•Keep it intimate. Individuals will be feeling the effects of a late night of partying and it's likely you will be as well. Make things easier on yourself by For auld lang syne. keeping the guest list on the small side. In turn, For auld lang syne, my dear, there will be less food required and perhaps For auld lang syne, less mess to clean up afterward. We'll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne. We two have run about the slopes, And picked the daisies fine; But we've wandered many a weary foot, Since auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne. We two have paddled in the stream, From morning sun till dine; But seas between us broad have roared Since auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne. And there's a hand my trusty friend! And give me a hand o' thine! And we'll take a right good-will draught, For auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne.
•Serve familiar foods. Brunch combines the best of breakfast and lunch. Guests will be expecting some of the standards, including omelets, French toast, bagels, deli meats, and salads. If you want to get creative, change up these recipes in subtle ways, such as serving French toast stick dippers with a warm maple-caramel dipping sauce or bite-sized omelets baked in small ramekins. •Keep the coffee flowing. Coffee, teas and hot chocolate are great at brunch. It's easier to recover from New Year's Eve overindulgence with a warm jolt of caffeine. Set up a nice beverage bar, and be sure to include other drinks that enable guests to rehydrate after a night of revelry. •Keep it simple. Soft music and nice conversation may be all that's needed to entertain during a New Year's brunch. Another low-key option is to queue up a light-hearted movie or play a relatively easy trivia game. New Year's brunch can close the door on another successful holiday season with a relaxing afternoon spent in the company of family and friends.
