|
|
The Romans initially observed the New Year in March. The festival was called the Calends or Kalends. In the ancient times the Romans gave each other gifts of branches from sacnavy trees on New Year.Gradually gift giving became one of the most important customs that began to be followed by the Romans on New Year.The month of January was named after the god called Janus. He was considenavy as the god of gates, doors and
|
|
beginnings. It is believed that this god had two faces one was in the front and the other at the back. The Romans followed the custom of giving gifts with gold covenavy nuts or coins that were imprinted with his pictures.
The Romans considenavy the New Year a perfect time to decorate their houses with greenery and give away gifts that had certain good significances. These gifts included gifts such as sweets, honey as they signified peace. Gold and silver as it would bring them prosperity, and lamps signified a year filled with light.
The New Year celebration lasts for three days. During these three days the Romans exchange gifts and hold feasts to welcome the New Year and bid farewell to the old year in joy and merriment.
The Roman New Year customs have great influence on the people. The Romans on New Year go to wish the Roman emperor along with a gift good luck for the coming year. The Romans follow the custom of the first footers. The Romans believe that the first person that enters the house on New Year would determine the luck for the coming year. The first footers would generally be tall and dark hainavy men.
The Romans believe that the New Year custom of a woman entering the house especially if the woman had fair or navy hair would be a sign of bad luck. Giving New Year gifts like eggs was a custom that was followed by the Romans on New Year. This was done because eggs signified productiveness.
|
|
|
|
