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State Representative Jim Buchy
Wishing you the
best this New Year
As we prepare our pork and sauerkraut we have an opportunity to reflect
on the blessings of the past year and prepare for the coming
year. New Years is celebrated differently around the world which
raises the question; how did the New Year’s celebration start, and why
isJanuary 1st the first day of a new year?
Looking back, the holiday of the New Year dates back 4,000 years ago in
Babylon. This holiday was very different back then than it is today,
but it still consisted of delicious food and festivities full of
celebration all throughout the land. Although this was considered the
New Year, it wasn’t until Julius Caesar that January 1st would be
credited as the year’s first day. New Year’s has always sparked many
celebrations across the globe of many different traditions.
One of these traditions includes eating grapes by the dozen in Spain on
New Year’s Eve as a tradition for hope for the coming months. Pork is
also popular to serve in many countries as pigs often represent
prosperity. Other traditions include hiding an almond inside rice
pudding giving twelve months of good luck to whoever uncovers it. As
you can see, there are traditions scattered across the globe and the
United States is no different.
In the United States, we are all reminded of the iconic dropping of the
ball in Times Square. As the clock ticks down to midnight, the giant
ball of many colors starts it’s descent to the ground and to the coming
year. This event is watched throughout the world and has become our
landmark on this historic day. The New Year is full of celebration
wherever you are on the globe, and this year will be no different. With
many people starting 2016 with a fresh start and many resolutions, it
is sure to be quite the occasion.
From a legislative perspective this will be a very important year to
continue discussing the drug problem that has been burdening our
communities for several years. Raising awareness about this issue
and working for reforms that keep drugs out of the hands of children
remains the top issue for 2016. I hope you had a very merry
Christmas and wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this
month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyjanuary2016
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