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How Much Do You Know About the New Year's Celebration?
As we head into the New Year, it's a good time to look back on the events and traditions that have shaped how we ring it in. For example, did you know that New Year's Day was first observed about 4,000 years ago? Back then, the Babylonians celebrated New Year's at the beginning of spring with festivities that lasted up to eleven days.
To test your knowledge, here are three trivia questions related to the New Year.
1. The month of January is named after whom?
a. A Hindu Princess
b. The Roman god Janus
c. The Greek god Januarius
d. A former Roman goddess
ANSWER: Known as the god of beginnings and the gatekeeper of doors and entrances, Janus was the Roman mythical king in early Rome. Similar to the logo used by Janus Funds, this Roman god was known for having the ability to look back and forward at the same time.
2. Between 1903 and 1915, what was the main New Year's Day event at the Rose Bowl Stadium?
a. Football
b. Soccer
c. Chariot Races
d. Sprint Running
ANSWER: According to their web site, in 1902 the Tournament of Roses Association decided to enhance the New Year's Day festivities by adding a football game. It was Stanford University vs. University of Michigan, but the lopsided game ended up being 49-0 with Stanford losing. That score prompted the Tournament to give up football in favor of Roman-style chariot races. Luckily, college football returned in 1916.
3. The Scottish tune Auld Lang Syne is commonly sang at the stroke of midnight on New Year's. What is the literal translation of the song's title: Auld Lang Syne?
a. Old Long Ago
b. Always Remembering You
c. Another Year Passes
d. Here We Go Again
ANSWER: The Scottish tune was written by Robert Burns and published in 1796. The literal translation of the title means Old Long Ago. | 
