Everything Everywhere Daily: New Year's Traditions (Encore) – Detailed Summary

Release Date: December 31, 2024
Host: Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media

In this encore episode of Everything Everywhere Daily, host Gary Arndt delves into the diverse and fascinating New Year's traditions celebrated around the globe. Skipping over advertisements and introductory segments, Gary provides an engaging exploration of how different cultures welcome the New Year through unique rituals, festivities, and symbols.

The Iconic Ball Drop in Times Square, New York

One of the most renowned New Year's traditions is the Ball Drop in Times Square, New York City. Gary outlines its rich history and evolution:

• Origin and History: The first ball drop occurred on December 31, 1907, orchestrated by Adolf Ochs, owner of the New York Times. This event replaced the previously held fireworks display. Since its inception, the ball drop has been an annual event except during 1942 and 1943, when blackout restrictions during World War II led to the observation of a moment of silence instead.

• Evolution of the Ball: Over 125 years, the ball has undergone several transformations:

  • 1907: The original 5-foot ball made of iron and wood, adorned with 100 incandescent bulbs.
  • 1920: A solely iron ball of the same dimensions.
  • 1956: A slightly larger 6-foot aluminum ball.
  • 2000: Introduced by Waterford Crystal, maintaining the size.
  • 2007: Enhanced with 9,576 LED lights.
  • 2009-Present: The current 12-foot ball weighs nearly 12,000 pounds and boasts 32,256 LED lights capable of displaying over 16 million colors.

Gary notes, "Prior to the pandemic, about 100,000 people would pack Times Square to participate live" (04:30), highlighting the event's magnitude.

Hogmany Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland

Moving to Scotland, Gary explores Hogmany, Scotland’s grand New Year's celebration:

• Historical Roots: With origins shrouded in centuries of tradition, Hogmany became particularly significant after Christmas celebrations were banned for nearly 400 years following the Protestant Reformation.

• Edinburgh's Celebration: The festival in Edinburgh is a massive street party featuring live bands, fireworks, and a spectacular torchlight procession. Gary emphasizes its grandeur, "It's one of the biggest New Year's festivals in the world, and if you haven't seen photos or videos of Hogmany, I suggest you take a look as it's quite the event" (07:15).

"Auld Lang Syne": The Timeless Song

No New Year's celebration is complete without the singing of "Auld Lang Syne":

• Origins: The song's lyrics are derived from a 1788 Scots poem by Robert Burns, though he acknowledged its older roots. The phrase "Auld Lang Syne" translates to sentiments like "days gone by" or "old times."

• Popularization: Canadian band leader Guy Lombardo played a pivotal role in popularizing the song on New Year's Eve starting in 1929. Gary mentions, "His 1947 recording of the song has become the definitive version of it, and it's what's played in Times Square" (12:45).

Spectacular Fireworks Displays Around the World

Fireworks are a universal symbol of celebration, and Gary highlights several of the world's most impressive displays:

• Sydney, Australia: Renowned for its breathtaking fireworks over the Harbor Bridge. Gary shares a personal anecdote, "I actually attended the 2014 New Year's Eve fireworks in Sydney and got a spot really close to the Harbour Bridge and it was by far the best fireworks display that I've seen in my life" (15:20).

• Other Major Displays:

  • Rio de Janeiro: Over Copacabana Beach.
  • London: Over Big Ben and the River Thames.
  • Dubai: At the Burj Khalifa, transforming the world's tallest building into a colossal sparkler with synchronized fireworks.
  • Taipei 101: Formerly the tallest building globally, hosts its own grand display.

Unique Global New Year's Traditions

Gary explores a variety of distinctive traditions that mark the New Year in different cultures:

• Ecuador: The tradition of burning figures in effigy symbolizes the burning away of the old year. Originating from an 1895 epidemic in Guayaquil, this practice involves burning representations of celebrities and politicians, not as a sign of disapproval but as a symbolic cleansing.

• Spain: Eating 12 grapes at midnight—one grape for each chime of the clock. Gary recounts his personal experience, "When I was in Spain during New Year's, everyone told me about the 12 grapes. So I went along with it" (22:10). This tradition dates back to the 19th century when grape growers in Alicante promoted grape consumption to sell excess harvest.

• Scotland and England: Welcoming the first dark-haired man to enter one's home of the year is considered good luck. Gary shares a story, "When I was in high school, my debate partner's family was from northern England. And one year I was the first person to walk through the front door of their house and they noted it was good luck because I had brown hair" (24:50). This custom dates back to Viking invasions, where a light-haired man indicated impending danger.

• Greece: Smashing pomegranates against doors symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, a tradition tracing back to ancient Greece.

• Denmark: Breaking plates on friends' and family's doors is a customary way to celebrate.

• Colombia: Carrying an empty suitcase signifies desires for travel and adventure in the coming year.

• Turkey: Sprinkling salt on doorsteps is believed to ward off evil spirits.

• Philippines: Consuming 12 spherical fruits is a common practice.

• Naples, Italy: Throwing furniture out the window to invite a fresh start for the new year.

Gary notes, "Many of these traditions are just that, they're traditional. You might live in one of these countries and not even engage in any of these practices" (30:05), emphasizing the variability of customs.

American Traditions: College Football Bowl Games

In the United States, New Year's is closely associated with college football bowl games:

• Historical Background: The first Rose Bowl game was the 1901 Tournament of Roses East-West Game between Michigan and Stanford, held on January 1. The game was named after the stadium's rose-shaped design.

• Expansion: Over the decades, the number of bowl games expanded from 5 in the early 1930s to over 40 today. While many are no longer confined to New Year's Day, prominent games like the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, and Sun Bowl remain central to the holiday's festivities.

• Future Exploration: Gary hints at dedicating a future episode to the extensive college bowl system, underscoring its significance in American New Year's culture.

Father Time and Baby New Year: An Ancient Symbolism

Concluding the episode, Gary explores the enduring imagery of Father Time and Baby New Year:

• Historical Origins: The figure of Father Time originates from the Greek god Kronos, the personification of time and a Titan. The Romans adapted this figure as the god Saturn.

• Middle Ages Representation: Father Time was often depicted alongside the Grim Reaper, symbolizing the passage from the old year to the new.

• Modern Depiction: Today, Father Time is portrayed as an elderly figure with robes and an hourglass, carrying a sash with the outgoing year. He is typically paired with Baby New Year, an infant representing the upcoming year, adorned with a sash bearing its number.

Gary humorously remarks, "Oddly enough, you never see a middle-aged Father Time in the middle of the summer wearing shorts with socks while mowing his lawn" (35:40), highlighting the traditional and enduring nature of these symbols.

Conclusion

Gary wraps up by reflecting on the universal appeal of New Year's celebrations:

“The New Year is a time for celebrating. It's very similar to the Solstice in that it's a global, mostly non-religious celebration that's held around the world. As with the Solstice, how it's celebrated is different almost everywhere. Regardless of how you celebrate the New Year, whether you're eating grapes, smashing pomegranates or watching football, I hope you all have a very great year" (37:10).

This heartfelt message underscores the shared human desire to mark the passage of time and embrace new beginnings through diverse and meaningful traditions.

Credits:
Executive Producer: Charles Daniel
Associate Producers: Benji Long and Cameron Keever
Special Thanks: Patreon supporters and the Completionist Club community.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the episode's structure.