Making resolutions for the new year is a universal tradition for many cultures around the world and has been for nearly 4,000 years.
These resolutions began with the ancient Babylonians, who made promises to their gods during their 12 day Akitu festival for a good harvest, a tradition later adopted and adapted by the Romans and Christians, evolving into the modern practice of self-improvement goals for the coming year. Eventually, these traditions spread to different cultures over time, ultimately becoming a popular worldwide tradition. Though many cultures have additional practices on New Year’s, such as symbolic foods for luck, actions to banish bad spirits, or wear symbolic colors on clothing for wealth, resolutions for a new year are apparent in most cultures.
Though Bullitt East High School may not be the most diverse place on the planet, we still have many students who practice different traditions for the new year. For example, Junior Ella Hite believes that eating 12 grapes under a table before the clock strikes 12:01 will grant her wealth and prosperity in the new year. “Eating grapes under my table is something that I’ve done for the last couple of New Year’s; it definitely feels dumb whenever I’m doing it, but I hope it works this year,” said Hite. This tradition has become popular in recent years, with many people sharing their results on social media. “I remember a few years ago I saw it on TikTok and thought that it was worth a shot to try, so it’s just been something that I picked up again each year,” said Hite.
Other students focus on resolutions rather than traditions. Senior Hannah Robinson said her yearly goal is improve her organization and time management skills. “It usually lasts about a month, but it still motivates me at the start of the year,” Robinson said. Though resolutions may not always work out in your favor, it’s a good motivator to kick off the year. “January always feels like the longest month of the year because of the weather, snow days, and nti days. Making resolutions for the new year gives me something else to focus on, rather than starting the year bored and drained.” Robinson said.
