WELCOME 2024

Ring-shaped cakes and pastries, a sign that the year has come full circle, round out the feast in the Netherlands, Mexico, Greece and elsewhere. In Sweden and Norway, meanwhile, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is served on New Year’s Eve; it is said that whoever months of good fortune.

Other customs that are common worldwide inand singing songs to welcome the new year, including the ever-popular “Auld Lang Syne” in many English-speaking countries. The practice of making resolutions for the new year is on among the ancient Babylonians, who made promises in order to earn the favor of the gods and start the (They would reportedly - turn borrowed farm equipment.)

In the United States, the most iconic New Year’s tradition is the dropping of a giant ball in New York City’s Times Square at the stroke of midnight. Millions of people around the world watch the event, which has taken place almost every the ball itself has ballooned and-wood orb to a brightly diameter and weighing in at - ous towns and cities across America have developed their own versions of the Times Square ritual, organizing public drops of items ranging from pickles (Dillsburg, Pennsylvania) to possums (Tallapoosa, Georgia) at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Champagne, noise makers and confetti are all traditional New Year’s Eve staples in the States. But, in some parts of the country and the world, so are blackeyed peas, lentils, grapes and pickled herring. Hailing from the Low Country of South Carolina to Japanese noodle houses to Pennsylvania Dutch homes, these are seven lucky dishes traditionally eaten around the New Year to bring good fortune.

May this new year be full of adventures and growth. We wish you all health, wealth and bright blessings for the new year!