Introduction.doc

New Years Day in United States New Years Day falls on January 1 and marks the start of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar. It marks the end of New Years Eve celebrations in the United States and gives many Americans a chance to remember the previous year. What do people do? The start of New Years Day, at midnight ,is indicated by fireworks, parties and special events, which are often televised. Very few people have to work on the day itself. For many it is a day of recovery from the New Years Eve celebrations the previous night. In some towns and cities, parades are held and special football games are played. The birth of the first baby in the New Year is often celebrated with gifts to his or her parents and appearances in local newspapers and on local news shows. Many people make New Years resolutions. These are usually promises to themselves that they will improve something in their own lives. Common New Years resolutions are to stop smoking or drinking alcohol, to lose weight, exercise more or to live a healthier lifestyle. 1.What indicates the start of New Year’s Day? Epiphany in Germany Epiphany is annually celebrated in Germany on January 6 to mark the Magis(or three wise mens)visit to baby Jesus. It is also the end of the Christmas season. The German states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt celebrate it as public holiday. What do people do? Some people in Germany attend a special church service on Epiphany. If the church has had a crib display during the Christmas period, the figures representing the Magi are placed in the crib on January 6.People with a crib scene at home do the same. Children learn about the story of the three wise men and may act out the whole Christmas story. Homes and stables in rural areas are cleansed by burning frankincense and allowing the smoke to spread through the rooms. People in some areas gather on Epiphany Eve(January 5)to drink to the health and luck of family and friends in th