History Daily Saturday Matinee: Who Smarted?
Jan 4, 2025
Sophie Plitt, a talented voice actor from the trivia podcast Who Smarted, brings a playful perspective on New Year's Eve traditions. The conversation covers quirky global celebrations, like Spain's grape-eating and Italy's red underwear. Listeners will discover the whimsical history of New Year's customs, from Julius Caesar's calendar reforms to the iconic Times Square ball drop. Plus, explore the cultural richness of the Lunar New Year and its delicious dumplings and vibrant lantern festivals. It’s a fun journey through our annual traditions!
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Making SMART Resolutions
- Make New Year's resolutions SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound.
- Adjust as needed; consistency matters more than perfection.
History of Resolutions
- New Year's resolutions date back to 153 BC, connected to the Roman god Janus.
- Janus, with two faces, symbolized resolving past wrongs and setting future intentions.
Cultural New Years
- Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, falls in September and lasts 10 days.
- Chinese New Year begins on a new moon, lasting 15 days, with various celebrations.