New Years Trivia

The tradition of using a baby to signify the New Year was
started by ancient Greeks around 600 B.C. They would carry
a baby around in a basket to honor Dionysus, the God of
Fertility and symbolize his annual rebirth.
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The name January is derived from the Roman god Janus, the
god of gates and doors, hence of openings and beginnings.
On January 1 the Romans offered sacrifices to Janus so that
he would bless the new year.
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The Scottish tune Auld Lang Syne is a common song sang right
after the stroke of midnight. The literal translation of the
song's title is "Old Long Ago." It was written primarily by
Robert Burns, but the song was not published until 1796, well
after Burns' death.