Show i HISTORY NEW YEARS DAY 1 1 January 1 1 the beginning of or orthe the new year ear is the date for a number of events throughout the world and in this country Among Amon these are arc re the Philadel Philadelphia Philadelphia phia Mummers Parade the Pas Pu- Pasadena adena Tournament of Roses the Pasadena Rose Bowl Dowl football JAme and other bowl games January 1 was arbitrarily fixed as the beginning of the year without relation to the position on of the sun or the seasons The ancient Egyptians began their ther new year eu on September 21 the thed date d te of the Autumn equinox and the ancient Greeks Gr began their year ur on June 21 21 the date of the summer solstice Customs peculiar liar Un to the Ume time have been b en observed ob ob- observed served since ancient times Umes In Ia Rome the practice sprung up of giving gifts to the Emperor on New Years Year's day d y The custom c came tame to be abused ah Those who sought favors from the Em perl or made nude costly guts gifts Because B ale the practice tame came to be a racket Em Emperor Emperor peter Claudius Imposed Imp n ed a limit lImtt on the sifts gifts that be given This practice as introduced d into England at as car caras ear as the time of Henry enry III III- It is 11 recorded that Queen Elizabeth Elisabeth her her- herself herself self with Jewels levels and wardrobe almost entirely from such gifts Under the Tudors and Stuarts Stunts It Its as as s the habit of oC all aU classes to glee give gifts to friends with the wish that the new year might be hap hap- py New Years Day is ushered in by New Years Eve Since ear ear- early early ly times this has been quite an occasion in the larger cities Ev Ev- Every Every ery cry restaurant and night spot is the scene of riotous party In Inthe Inthe Inthe the country New Years Eve E ob oh observances take on the form of neighborhood parties and Wa Watch Watch Watch Parties The ringing of o the church bells at midnight ushers in the New Year and is the sign signor for or the breaking up of the par par- ty |