If Time Magazine said the new century began on January 1, 2000, who am I to differ?
(Photo: Amazon.com)
Today is the start of a brand-new year, a time for resolutions and promises, and intentions to mend one’s ways. For Chinese immigrants into Texas, it is Lunar New Year, the greatest holiday of the year. Why? Because the Lunar New Year is considered everybody’s birthday; it is a time when ceremonial greetings and gifts are exchanged. I don’t know if you get presents on the day you were born also or not.
Several New Years Days have been days of mourning. Without a doubt, January 1, 1942 was full of fear and trepidation, as were the next four New Years Days.
One of my favorite New Years stories occurred in early fall 1899. Everyone was so excited about the new century, plans for lavish parties were made, and new clothes were ready. It would be a grand event until someone questioned when the new century actually began? Mathematically, ten is the end of the first set of numbers; not the beginning. That is reserved for the number one.
So, would the new century be greeted with revelry on December 31, 1899 or would it be December 31, 1900? It was a most important decision to make. Everyone had an opinion. Newspapers were full of comments. And time was drawing near. Finally, most Americans came to a very practical conclusion. Why not celebrate both? In many places that’s what happened, even here in Greenville.
There were no wild parties here, though. Churches held Watch Parties, where you watched for the New Year. The wealthier held lavish dinners, but probably not too many dances. Families gathered to reminiscence and play cards. Children were often allowed to stay up late. I suspect a few anvils flew up in the sky and young boys had fireworks battles on the sidewalks across Lee Street.
Now, fast-forward 100 years. When did you celebrate the beginning of the 21st Century? Of course, we didn’t have to worry about the appropriate year. The media settled it for us. I do remember watching the New Year arrive in many parts of the world. It was very interesting. But that tells you the Taylors are not big partiers. While I wrote this more than two weeks ago, I suspect we stayed home last night and maybe stayed awake to see the ball drop in New York City. However you celebrate the arrival of 2017, be safe, and have a Wonderful New Year!