New Year’s Eve is known for its celebrations, but one of the most popular traditions is kissing.
New Year’s Eve is known for its celebrations, but one of the most popular traditions is kissing. According to a study by the European Society of Cardiology, approximately two billion people around the world will kiss on New Year’s Eve. However, there are a number of different customs and rituals associated with kissing on New Year’s Eve. Here are some of them.
Why do people kiss at midnight?
The origin
Kissing at midnight dates back to 16th century England and was originally associated with witchcraft. The idea was that if you kissed someone at midnight, you would remain together forever. However, it wasn’t until later that this custom became associated with New Year’s Eve.
The tradition
Nowadays it is customary to kiss your partner or spouse at midnight as a symbol of good luck and happiness for the coming year. It has also become customary to kiss other friends and family members at midnight as well.
“Why do people give gifts on Christmas:”
History
In ancient times, Christians in Europe gave gifts during Saturnalia (a Roman festival) in honor of Saturnus (a Roman god).
Gift giving was brought into Christianity by Saint Nicholas who would give gifts to children on December 6th which eventually evolved into Christmas.
However, gift giving has not always been about religion.
In fact, according to history professor Jeffrey Tucker from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY: “We can’t separate gift giving from market exchange.”
Giving gifts became an act of trade.
Modern day gift giving
“What does Christmas mean”
What does Christmas mean?
“What does Halloween mean?”
What does Halloween mean?
“What’s Easter about?”
