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The New Year Around the World

The New Year Around the World

™

People, Places, and Cultures

Baby, You’re a Firework pg. 34 • Making a Splash! pg. 26 THE AROUND THE WORLD

MYSTERY 2016 PHOTO? People, Places, and Cultures Editor: Elizabeth Crooker Carpentiere Art Director: John Sandford Designer: John Hansen Copy Editor: Terri Ouellet Proofreader: Patricia Silvestro Rights and Permissions Coordinator: Christine Voboril

ADVISORY BOARD

Sarah Witham Bednarz, Assistant Professor of Geography, Co-coordinator Texas Alliance for Geographic Education, Texas A&M University Diane L. Brooks, Ed.D., Director (retired), Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Office, California Department of Education Ken Burns, Florentine Films Maryann Manning, Professor, School of Education, University of Alabama Shawn Reynolds, Director, Indiana University International Resource Center Carol Johnson Shedd, Outreach Coordinator (retired), Harvard’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies Sandra Stotsky, Professor of Education Reform, 21st Century Chair in Teacher Quality, University of Arkansas Barbara Brown, Director, African Studies Center Outreach Program at Boston University Gale Ekiss, Co-Coordinator, Arizona Geographic Alliance, Arizona State University

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Editorial and Marketing office: FACES, Cricket Media, 70 E. Lake Street, Suite 800, Chicago, IL, 60601. Tel: 312-701-1720. FACES: People, Places, and Cultures (ISSN 0749-1387) (USPS 743-910) is published monthly with combined issues in May/June, July/August, and November/December Do you know what this is? by Cobblestone Publishing, a division of Cricket Media, 70 E. Lake Street, Suite 800, Chicago, IL, 60601. Tel: 312-701-1720. Periodicals postage paid at Herndon, VA, and Answer is on page 48. at additional mailing offices. One-year subscription (9 issues) $33.95; $15 additional per year outside the U.S. (includes Canadian GST/HST). Please remit in U.S. funds (GST #130428204). Prices subject to change. Back issue prices available on request. For SUBSCRIPTIONS, CHANGE OF ADDRESS, and ADJUSTMENTS, write to FACES at Cricket Media, PO Box 6395, Harlan, IA 51593. Please give both new address and ABOUT THE COVER old address as printed on last label. Allow six to eight weeks for change of address. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to FACES, Cricket Media, PO Box 6395, Happy New Year! People around the globe Harlan, IA 51593. ring in the new year with parties and parades. Copyright ©2016 by Cricket Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the content is illegal without written permission from the publisher. Not responsible © Nick Savage/Alamy for unsolicited manuscripts or other material. All letters assumed for publication become the property of Cricket Media. For information regarding our privacy policy and compliance with the Children’s On-line Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), please visit our web site at www. cobblestonepub.com or write to Cricket Media/ COPPA, Cricket Media, 70 E. Lake Street, Suite 800, Chicago, IL, 60601. Editorial correspondence: FACES, Cricket Media, 70 E. Lake Street, Suite 800, Chicago, IL, 60601. Printed in the United States of America.

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FEATURES 6 New Year’s Celebrations Through the Ages 8by Christine Graf Ringing in the New Year With Red Underwear 12 by Christine Graf Hog Wild for 14by Marcia Amidon Lusted 6

New Year’s Eve Style 18by Christine Graf 12 The Oldest New Year’s Party: Celebrating 22by Elizabeth Elkins 26by Ruth Rodgers : The Jewish New Year 30by Debra Friedland Katz Hijri: The 12 36by Marcia Amidon Lusted of Hope 38by Debbie Detering 14 The Chinese 42by Sarah Novak

DEPARTMENTS 2 High 5 20 4 At a Glance ACTIVITIES 6 Critter Corner 25 New Year’s Crossword 33 Where in the World? 41 Fallen Quote 34 Closer Look 26 41 Face Facts 46 Art Connection 48 Guest Review; Say What? CONTEST 49 One Last Face 48 for Kids!

34 C HIGH FIVE

ireworks, noise makers, the countdown to midnight F. . . Happy New Year! The start of a new year is a reason for celebration around the world. But the December 31 party in New York City’s Square is not the only way to ring in the New Year – it’s not even the only of year people recognize the start of a new year! Read on to find out more about New Year’s celebrations around the world.

1. Welcome to the Year of the Monkey! According to the , those born this year will be intelligent, mischievous, and quick learners. Legend says that Buddha called for all the animals and the 12 that arrived each had a year named in its honor.

2. New Year’s celebrations have been taking place for thousands of years. In ancient , a ritual included slapping the king so hard he cried! If his tears flowed freely, the god of creation would be pleased with him.

3. Do you have a lucky item? Maybe a lucky penny or a pair of lucky socks? In many cultures red is a symbol of good fortune, and in and Mexico people wear red underwear to ring in the New Year as a way of ensuring good luck throughout the coming year.

2 4. Torchlights and parades are a common sight on Hogmanay, the traditional Scottish New Year celebration. The smoke from the fire was believed to ward off evil spirits.

5. L’Shana Tovah! This is Hebrew for “to a good year!” and is said on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is observed for two days in September or early October and celebrates the birthday of the world.

3 AT A GLANCE

N nes ew Year me Zo ’s Eve Through the Ti

4 5

CRITTER CORNER Y BUS ONKE INESS M

The pygmy marmoset is the world’s smallest known monkey. Isn’t it adorable?

by Pat Betteley

elcome to 2016, the Chinese “Year of the It turns out that there is more to the classifying WMonkey.” According to legend, Buddha monkey-business than meets the eye. Currently, asked all the animals to meet him on the Chinese there are about 264 known species of monkey New Year. Only 12 animals showed up. Buddha worldwide, which can be divided into two groups. named a year after each one, and announced that The Old World monkey (example, baboon) lives people born in each animal’s year would have in Asia and Africa, while the New World monkey some of the characteristics of that (example, marmoset) lives in South animal. Astrologers (people who try America. People often confuse apes, such to relate the position of the stars to as chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas, human lives) believe that people with monkeys. Scientifically though, they born in the Year of the Monkey are are not the same. Most apes are larger than intelligent, mischievous, and learn monkeys, have no tail, and are built for a life quickly. If you were born in a Year of the Monkey in the trees and on the ground, whereas monkeys (2004, 1992, 1980, and so on, in a 12-year cycle), are built to live in trees. you have some famous company, including With so many species, and so little space in Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Dickens, and Christina which to describe them, let us examine a few Aguilera. standouts in the Monkey Hall of Fame.

6

• The pygmy marmoset wins “Smallest Monkey” STATS honors, weighing between 120-140 grams (.3 pounds). Scientific Name: Macaca fascicul aris Diet: omnivores that eat fruit, seeds, • The award for “Largest Monkey” goes to the mandrill insects, and reptiles at about 35 kg (77 pounds). Life Span: 10-30 years • Capuchin monkeys claim “Smartest Monkey” status, Habitat: tropical forests, grasslands, as they are skilled at using tools to help them get and and mountainous plains eat food. A capuchin monkey will smash nuts with Predators: birds, snakes, wildcats rocks, insert branches into cracks to capture food, and use large branches to club snakes. FAST FACTS • Spider monkeys have earned the “Long Limbs and • Monkeys have unique fingerprints, Tail” award. They can swing arm-to-arm in trees, just like humans. unlike most monkeys who run across branches. • Unlike humans and apes, monkeys do not catch the common cold. • The “Loud and Proud” award goes to the howler monkey. Its booming howl can be heard up to 10 miles away.

• The “Longest Nose” winner is the proboscis monkey that lives in southern and on the island of The howler Borneo. monkey lives up to its name. Its screech can be Although different monkey species eat a variety heard up to 10 of foods and live in different habitats, they have a lot miles away. in common. Most monkeys have tails that help them swing and walk easily on branches of trees. Their fingers and their toes allow them to grasp easily, so they can peel their and not eat the unpleasant-tasting skin. Monkeys are very sociable. They use vocalizations and facial expressions to communicate, and show affection by grooming each other. (That is, they pick yummy bugs from their friend’s fur.) Though friendly toward humans, some species are agricultural pests that damage crops. Monkeys that live in tropical forests You’ve heard (a habitat that is quickly disappearing) are seriously of Spider-Man, but have you threatened by habitat loss. heard of Spider In the tradition of the versatile and fun-loving star of Monkey? our show, may your 2016 be more fun than . . . a barrel of monkeys!

Pat Betteley is an amiable and loyal science teacher born in the Year of the Dog.

7 by Christine Graf • illustration by Rachel Baker

ew Year’s celebrations are nothing new — The Babylonian New Year was determined by Nthey have been taking place for more than the lunar . It began in late March during 4,000 years. Around 2000 B.C., the Babylonians the first new after the vernal equinox. of ancient Mesopotamia marked the arrival of Ancient New Year celebrations were typically the new year with an 11-day . On the timed around agricultural or astronomical events fourth day, the king’s crown was taken away and often took place near the beginning of spring, and he was forced to his knees at the foot of a time of rebirth and renewal. a statue of Marduk, the god credited with the It was at the beginning of the spring rice- creation of the universe. After swearing that planting season that the ancient Chinese held he had been a faithful ruler, the king was their 15-day New Year celebration. It took place slapped in the face by the high priest. The between late January and early February during slap was delivered with force, and its purpose the time of the second after the was to bring the king to tears. Marduk was solstice. Sacrifices were offered to the said to be pleased with the king only if his gods, ancestors were honored, and rituals were tears flowed freely. This annual ritual served performed to rid families of bad luck. New Year’s to remind the king of his duties and to keep was also a time of great worry because the him humble. Chinese believed in Nian, a monster-like creature, 8 that enjoyed feasting on villagers during the these floods to deposit fertile silt onto their holiday. Because Nian was thought to be afraid farmlands, many of their New Year’s rituals of fire, loud noises, and the color red, all three involved pleasing Hapi, the god of the . of these elements were incorporated into all Sacrifices and offerings were thrown into the aspects of the celebration. Today, Chinese New Nile to ensure that he would deliver flood Year is still the most important holiday in China, waters to Egypt. In addition to worrying about and its date continues to be based on the lunar Hapi, the Egyptian people were plagued with calendar. worry about Re, the god. They believed Re Although the ancient Egyptian New Year did grew frail over the course of the year and that not occur in the spring, its date was determined he had to be reborn each year. The rising of by both a celestial and agricultural event. The the sun on the first day of the new year was Egyptian annual Wepet Renpet (“opening of new met with great relief, and it was only then that year”) festival began when , the brightest the Egyptians could celebrate the holiday with star in the sky, appeared after not being music, dancing, and heavy drinking. visible for 70 days. The star typically appeared in It wasn’t until , the Emperor July just as the annual was of Rome, introduced the in 46 about to occur. Because the Egyptians relied on B.C. that New Year’s Day was first celebrated 9 on January 1. Before that time, the ancient Romans used a and observed the date of the Babylonian New Year. After consulting with prominent astronomers and mathematicians, Caesar changed the from 10 to 12. The months of January and February were added, and January got its name from Janus, a Roman god with two faces. Because one of his faces looked into the future and one looked into the past, Caesar chose January 1 as the beginning of the Roman New Year. On that date, people made offerings to Janus and celebrated with wild parties and large amounts of alcohol. When the adopted Christianity as its official religion in theth 4 century, the pagan origins of the New Year’s holiday did not sit well with the leaders of the church. They changed the date of New Year’s Day on several occasions to coincide with various dates significant to the Christian faith. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII, head of the Catholic Church, adopted the and reestablished January 1 as the first day of the year. The Julian calendar was slightly inaccurate, and the new calendar adjusted for these inaccuracies. Protestant

10 such as Britain did not adopt the Gregorian calendar or celebrate New Year’s Day on January 1 until well into the 1700s. Many Orthodox Christians throughout Central Europe still use the Julian calendar and observe a date later in January as the beginning of their new year. Although New Year’s Day continues to take place on different dates throughout the world, it’s not the date of the celebration that truly matters. No matter where or when the holiday takes place, it’s all about ushering out the old, welcoming in the new, and simply having fun.

FAST FACTS: • The dates of October 5 through 14 were not recognized during 1582. Those days were skipped in order to adjust to the new Gregorian calendar.

• Archaeologists working in northern unearthed what may be one of the world’s first . It is more than 10,000 years old.

• The American colonists followed the Julian calendar and did not switch to the Gregorian calendar until 1752.

11 ringing in the new year with

red underwear by Christine Graf earing stripes, plaids, or solid colors to a wear yellow underwear instead. In , it WNew Year’s celebration in the Philippines is broken dishes that are a symbol of good luck. would be considered a bad idea. For the Filipino People throw plates at their neighbors’ doors to people, the holiday is all about circles — symbols bring them good luck in the new year. of wealth and prosperity. People wear polka dot In Italy, people let go of the past and clothing, fill their drawers with coins, and eat embrace the coming year by tossing fruits that are round. Stomachs are filled with household items (including furniture!) out pancit, a dish made with long noodles. The of their windows. Their New Year’s menu is length of the noodles symbolizes longevity and also influenced by tradition and superstition good health. Filipinos also set off fireworks, blow and often includes pork sausage made from horns, and bang on pots and pans to scare away ’s hooves. The sausage’s high fat content evil spirits. signifies abundance in the coming year. Pork Throughout the Philippines as well as the is also eaten on New Year’s Day in rest of the world, people believe their actions many parts of the United on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s States where pig ownership Day will impact their luck was once considered a for the following year. symbol of prosperity. Pork Superstitions abound, and is served with sauerkraut many of them are quite (fermented cabbage) unusual. For example, in many because cabbage and countries including Mexico other greens, such and Turkey, people wear red as kale and spinach underwear as symbols of good symbolize money. luck. Wearing red underwear is especially important for those who When is breaking a dish a good are looking for love. People who are thing? In Denmark, a broken dish on New Year’s Eve is a symbol of seeking money and wealth might good luck.

12 Spaniards eat one grape at each stroke of midnight.

In many countries, there are certain concerned with any bad luck that may foods that are never included in a New have plagued them in the last 12 months. Year’s meal. Eating chicken on New Year’s They destroy this bad luck by burning is considered bad luck because chickens scarecrows, some of which resemble scratch backwards in the dirt as they search people they don’t like. Ecuadorians who for their food. Eating crab or lobster could hope to travel safely in the new year run also lead to bad luck because both creatures around the block while holding suitcases. move sideways. Pork is a better alternative Although some of these New Year’s because pigs move forward and don’t look traditions may sound silly to outsiders, back when foraging for food. Eating fish is they are taken very seriously in their also acceptable because fish use their tails to countries of origin. People are willing to swim forward. do just about anything to ward off evil Instead of eating a special meal, the spirits and ensure wealth, happiness, and people of Spain eat 12 grapes as the good luck in the coming year. strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. In order to achieve good luck in the new year, one grape must be eaten in unison with each of Round fruit is purchased by Filipinos prior to the new year. the 12 clock chimes. When the clock strikes midnight in Ireland, people ward off evil spirits by banging stale loaves of bread against their walls. The Scottish and English ward off bad luck in the new year by making sure the first visitor to their residence is a dark-haired man. Females, as well as blonde-haired or red-haired men could bring bad luck into a home. The people of Ecuador are more

13 HOG WILD FOR

HOGMANAYby Marcia Amidon Lusted Welcoming a tall, dark stranger into your house at midnight may not seem like the best way to celebrate New Year’s . . . unless you’re in Scotland, celebrating Hogmanay! Hogmanay is the traditional Sottish celebration of the New Year. Many of its traditions first came to Scotland with the Vikings, who invaded in the 8th and 9th centuries. Vikings, coming from the far north, were particularly aware of the , the shortest day of the year. Living in a place where winter was harsh and long, they eagerly awaited the first sign that shorter days and warmer weather were coming. So they celebrated the solstice as a holiday, and brought it with them to Scotland. Scotland itself, from the early 17th century to the 1950s, did not really celebrate . It was banned by the Protestant Many of the traditions still church as a Catholic holiday, practiced during Hogmanay and forbidden. As a result, were introduced by the Vikings in the 8th and 9th most Scottish people had centuries.

14 HOG WILD FOR

to work on Christmas day, and saved their seasonal HOGMANAY celebrating for New Year’s. No one is exactly sure where the name Hogmanay came from, but it could have been a variation of the Scandinavian word for the feast that took place just before the solstice, “Hoggo- nott.” Or maybe it came from the Gaelic words oge maiden, for “new morning.” No matter where the word came from, Hogmanay is still Scotland’s major holiday celebration. It is a time to gather with family and exchange gifts, especially for the children. And there are many traditions and superstitions that take place around Hogmanay. Before midnight, the house should be cleaned and the old ashes swept out of the fireplace. Any debts should also be taken care of before the bells of midnight are heard. These traditions reflect the idea that the remains of the old year should be cleared away so that the new year can be greeted as fresh and new. Everyone who arrives at the house is welcomed and kissed, and wished a “Guid New Year.” Once midnight arrives, Scottish people sing the same song that many other countries around the world sing: “Auld Lang Syne,” which means “times gone by.” The song is even more special to the Scottish people because it was composed by their own poet Robert Burns:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne.

15 Traditionally, people create a circle and be dark haired? Back in the days of Viking join hands while they sing the song. When it invasions it wouldn’t be very good luck if a ends, they all rush to the middle, still holding tall blonde man appeared on the doorstep, hands. as he was probably a Viking carrying an Another Hogmanay tradition has to do axe and about to take over your house and with “first footing,” or welcoming the “first town! foot” (visitor) of the year into the house. It is Other Hogmanay traditions include considered to be both rude and unlucky if torchlight parades and fireworks. These the first foot person arrives empty-handed. are modern reminders of traditions from If the household really wants to have good long ago, when villagers dressed up as luck in the new year, the first foot visitor cattle and ran around their village, being hit should be a man with dark hair, and he with sticks. Animal hides wrapped around should bring with him a piece of coal, sticks were set on fire, as their smoke was shortbread (a type of cookie), salt, a black believed to ward off evil spirits. Bonfires bun (a fruitcake covered with pastry), and and torches were a part of these early a drink of whiskey. These are all symbols of celebrations. In some parts of Scotland, what the household will need in the coming men carry long metal poles with giant year. Why is this first visitor supposed to fireballs attached, which are swung around

The smoke from torches is believed to ward off evil spirits.

16 Fireworks over Stirling Castle are a breathtaking sight!

in wide circles as they parade through the streets. This might be linked to the winter solstice as well, with the fireballs symbolizing the return of the sun and how it purified evil spirits. In older communities, there is also a tradition of young men forming themselves into several groups. They move through the village from house to house, reciting Gaelic rhymes and receiving bannocks (fruit buns . . . sort of like trick or treating for New Year’s!) Hogmanay is still celebrated today, even in large cities such as . In fact, January 2nd is also a holiday in Scotland . . . to give everyone time to recover from the celebrations!

17 New Year’s Eve New York City Style

by Christine Graf

lfred Ochs liked to think Abig. The son of Russian immigrants, he purchased in 1896 when he was just 38. The newspaper was on the verge of bankruptcy, but Ochs was determined to make it successful. In 1904, he moved its headquarters to a brand new 25-story building, the second tallest in the city. It was located in Longacre Square, but Ochs convinced city officials to change the square’s name to . He chose New Year’s Eve 1904 as the grand opening date for his building. New Year’s Eve was already a big night in New York City. Beginning in the late 1800s, large crowds of people would “ring in the New Year” outside of the financial district’s Trinity Church. When the church bells chimed at midnight, people cheered, blew horns, and shook noisemakers. Ochs knew it would take something big to 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1. . . Happy New Year! A ball draw the crowds away from has dropped in New Trinity Church and into Times York City’s Times Square almost every year since Square, so he planned an all-day 1907. street festival that included 18 Hundreds of thousands gather in fireworks at midnight. As many as 200,000 people Times Square to ring in the New Year. showed up, and they weren’t disappointed. Ochs spared no expense, and Times Square became “the” place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Three years later, Ochs needed to find another way to celebrate the arrival of midnight after fireworks were banned in the city. His chief electrician suggested they drop a time ball similar to the one that was attached to a pole on the roof of the city’s Western Union building. Each day at precisely noon, the ball was dropped from the top of the pole. Time balls, originally used by ship captains who needed to know the exact time in order to adjust their nautical instruments, were also used by people to set their watches. The Western Union ball was placed on top of the building in 1877, and it was visible throughout the financial district as well as in the harbor. Ochs liked the idea, and Russian immigrant Jacob Starr, an electrician and metalworker, was hired to design and build the ball. Starr built a 700-pound ball out of iron and wood and adorned it with 100 25-watt bulbs. The ball, five feet in diameter, was attached to a flagpole and could be lowered by hand with a pulley. On December 31, 1907, Starr and several other men began lowering the ball at precisely 11:59 p.m. Starr used a stopwatch to ensure that the ball’s trip down the flagpole took exactly one minute. The ball drop was a big success, and it became a New Year’s tradition in Times Square. It has taken place every year except for 1942 and 1943 when it was canceled because of World War II blackouts. Crowds still gathered in Times Square both years and observed the arrival of the new year with a moment of silence followed by the ringing of chimes. The has been redesigned seven times over the past 100 years. The most unusual redesign took place in 1981 when the ball was made 19 to resemble an apple — complete with red lights The confetti showers down upon the one and a green stem — as part of the I Love New York million people who brave the crowds and the tourism marketing campaign. To the relief of many cold temperatures to experience the event people, the “apple ball” was retired in 1988. firsthand. The current ball weighs 12,000 pounds and Although Alfred Ochs was a big thinker, it measures 12 feet in diameter. Computers control is doubtful that even he could have ever its movement and the operation of its 32,256 LED imagined just how big the Times Square New bulbs. The light from these bulbs is reflected by Year’s Eve celebration would become. There is thousands of Waterford crystal panels. The ball is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. capable of producing millions of different patterns and colors — even more colors than the human FAST FACTS: eye is capable of seeing. • The New York Times relocated to a new building In addition to the ball drop, the Times Square after less than 10 years at 1 Times Square. New Year’s Eve celebration includes concerts, • Three generations of the Starr family, owners of a performances, and a live television broadcast that sign and display company, supervised the ball drop is watched by one billion people throughout the for more than 80 years. world. Three thousand pounds of confetti are dropped by hand from eight different buildings at precisely 20 seconds before midnight.

Revelers are encouraged to arrive at Times Square early in the day if they want a good viewing spot of the ball drop.

20 What Time is It? chronometers over the course of 50 years before he was successful. The Invention of the Completed in 1762, it resembled an oversized pocket watch. His On October 22, 1707, twenty-one British Naval ships were returning invention was tested on two different sea voyages, and it proved to be to port in England. Four of the ships and more than 1,400 sailors extremely accurate. never made it home. The ships ended up at the bottom of the ocean Harrison’s chronometer was complicated, delicate, and very costly after hitting rocks near the Isles of Scilly. Navigational errors caused the to make, but it provided the blueprint for the modern marine chronometer. fleet commander to mistakenly believe his ships were headed into the After the best clockmakers in the world improved on his invention, every English Channel. He was among the many that died that day. ship was equipped with a chronometer. Sailors were able to compare Maritime accidents due to navigational errors were very common locally observed time (determined by observing the sun) with the time at the time. Latitude could be calculated by measuring the altitude of on their chronometers, usually set to the time of , England. the sun, but was more difficult to determine. Why? Because By knowing the local time at both locations, they could calculate their accurate longitudinal measurements required knowing the answer to longitude. a seemingly simple question: What time is it? The that existed That left only one problem — ensuring chronometer accuracy. at the time did not perform well on the high seas because they Although chronometers were very reliable, they did require occasional were bounced around and exposed to temperature and air pressure adjustments. Sailors needed to know the correct time, and a Royal Navy changes. That left sailors with no way to know exactly what time it was. captain devised a way to deliver that information. He designed a time In 1714, the British government promised a large monetary reward ball and had it mounted in the harbor in , England. The ball — several million dollars in today’s currency — to the person who dropped at precisely 1 p.m. each day and allowed captains to adjust their could develop an accurate and reliable way of measuring longitude at chronometers before heading out to sea. It wasn’t long before there were sea. After the “Longitude Prize” was announced, an English carpenter 150 time balls in ports around the world. Although the invention of radio named John Harrison went to work on his marine chronometer, an signals made them obsolete, a few time balls still survive. instrument that could accurately measure time at sea. He made several — C.G.

About 3,000 pounds of confetti are tossed as New York enters the New Year.

21 The Oldest New Year’s Party: Celebrating Nayrouz by Elizabeth Elkins

ne of the oldest calendars in the world is the with the celebration of the New Year, which OCoptic calendar. The Egyptian Coptic church they named the Feast of Nayrouz. The word was one of the earliest forms of Christianity, “Nayrouz” comes from the Coptic word and Coptic Christians were persecuted and “nilaroouz,” which means rivers. The Coptic killed by the Romans. In A.D. 283 they adopted New Year begins on September 11th or 12th their own , and as a way of (depending on the ), which is the remembering the martyrs who died under the end of the rainy season and the time when Romans, they incorporated that remembrance Sirius, the Dog Star, rises in the sky. It is when

About 6 million of Egypt’s 77 million people belong to the Coptic Church.

22 The Oldest New Year’s Party: Celebrating Nayrouz

Children hand out yellow daisies on Nayrouz.

the Nile River Children are given bags filled with red dates, and in Egypt people also serve these dates at home. According traditionally to legend, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was sitting floods, underneath a tree when she bit into a providing red date and accidentally broke a tooth. Children water for eat red dates on Nayrouz, hoping to find Mary’s farming and broken tooth! However, the white insides of irrigation along the red date also symbolize the purity of the the river banks and church martyrs, and the hard pit symbolizes the marking the proper time for planting seeds. But steadfastness of their faith. Guava fruit, which is About 6 million of Egypt’s 77 million people belong to the Coptic Church. Nayrouz is not just about remembering martyrs also red, is another traditional Nayrouz food. and planting a new season of crops. It is a time It is also a custom, especially among Coptic that symbolizes new life and new beginnings. Christians in Ethiopia, to gather bouquets of Nayrouz is celebrated in church by the use wildflowers to give to friends. Children gather of red vestments (the clothing worn by the flowers such as yellow daisies, which are Coptic priests) and altar cloths. These symbolize blooming at this time, and go from house to the blood of the martyrs whose deaths made house, handing them out and singing. In some the church stronger, rather than weaker. cities, however, sending New Year’s cards has Prayers in church during Nayrouz are sung to replaced giving flowers. joyful hymn tunes instead of just spoken. But Grass also symbolizes the return of new life to although part of the holiday is religious, it is earth, and in some areas of Ethiopia, people also a time for everyone to celebrate the return of life to the earth. It is a time The white inside the date of visiting and exchanging gifts symbolizes purity. while wishing each other a happy New Year. There are many symbols and customs associated with celebrating Nayrouz. 23 Nayrouz is celebrated in September when the Nile is flooded. The river floods any time between June and September.

spread fresh cut grass on the floors of deaths strengthened the church. their homes to celebrate the end of And, as with many holidays around the rainy season. the world, it is also a time to Nayrouz is a time of looking ahead celebrate with family and friends in to new beginnings and a new year, appreciation of what has happened as well as looking back and honoring over the past year, and what the the early Coptic Christians whose new year will bring.

24 NEW YEAR’S Crossword Across 2. Alfred ____ came up with the idea of celebrating the new year in Times Square 4. the world’s smallest known monkey (two words) 6. January got its name from this Roman god 7. many Spaniards eat this fruit at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve 8. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2016 is the year of the ______9. Thailand’s most important celebration 1

2 3

4 5

6

Down 7 1. this shape is prominent in Filipino new year celebrations 3. traditional Scottish new 8 year celebration 5. Jewish New Year (two words) 9 6. Roman emperor who introduced the Julian calendar (two words)

Answers are on page 48.

25 Songkran

Even elephants get in on the splashing act on Songkran.

by Ruth Rodgers

ongkran, one of Thailand’s oldest

Splash! Splat! Scelebrations, marks the beginning of the Imagine the biggest water fight Buddhist New Year. Songkran has similarities ever! People all around you have to other celebrations around the globe, but buckets and big water guns. Picture is unique in several ways. Distinguished by huge crowds filling the streets, a three-day public holiday from 13-15, completely soaking one another. Songkran ranks as Thailand’s most important Even elephants are spraying water! celebration. People get time off from work, If you were celebrating the New perform rites of renewal and purification, show respect, and ask for blessings. The major Year in Thailand, you would not differences include the time of year, the length need to be using your imagination of the celebrations, and the Buddhist traditions. at all. This is Songkran, Thailand’s New Year’s celebration!

26 Songkran But the Calendar Says April! More Than a Water Fight Songkran, quite important on the Buddhist In preparation for Songkran Day, Thai families calendar, is never held in January, and is linked thoroughly clean their houses, removing trash to Buddhist beliefs and the . and worn out items. Symbolically, this sweeps While this important holiday spans a three- away bad luck making room for good luck in day period, many include a fourth day of the new year. The next day, families prepare traditional rituals. Overall, the festivities and food for Buddhist monks. Songkran Day, April water throwing last a week or more. 13, includes visits to temples to pray and As appreciation of family is an especially offer gifts of food to monks to ‘make ’,a important part of the festival, many Thai Buddhist belief of earning favor through good people journey to their hometowns to deeds. On this third day, people pour jasmine- spend time with older relatives. Nearly half scented water on monks’ hands as a sign of of , the capital city, travels to local respect. Children show respect and ask for . blessings from older relatives in similar rituals. Some of the most reverent activities occur that

Washing Buddha statues is an important aspect of the holiday.

27 Nowhere to hide when the water fights begin! afternoon, when people delicately wash images washing bad omens away. Buddhists believe the of Buddha. This is when the throwing of water, water washes away sorrows, bringing renewal perhaps the most popular part of Songkran, and cleansing. Today, Songkran, The Water typically begins. For the very devout, the festival Festival, becomes a soaking free-for-all with includes a fourth day reserved for more formal buckets, water guns, and yes, even elephants. rituals showing respect for elders and ancestors. Coincidentally, the hot, dry season begins in Songkran includes other beautiful traditions. April, Thailand’s hottest . At this time of Some people tie strings on others’ wrists and year, people are happy to cool off, adding to apply white powder to others’ faces, one of the the appeal to the general public; they enjoy this oldest traditions. It is considered a great honor to refreshing custom too! receive these good wishes, so show appreciation for these kindnesses and leave them on. The ‘Seven Dangerous Days Truly, water is a central element. While of Songkran’ the street parties are now mostly for fun, For your safety and enjoyment, here are some they originally symbolized religious cleansing, Songkran suggestions: (1) DO wish everyone renewal, hope for regenerating rains, and a happy new year (In Thai, this greeting 28 is ”Sawasdee Pee Mai”); (2) DO use waterproof bags to protect valuables; (3) DO watch personal belongings carefully in large crowds; (4) DO bring along goggles, sunscreen, and a hat; (5) use public transportation; and (6) give alms and ‘make merit’, or visitors may just politely observe these Buddhist rituals. Certain etiquette should be followed Not only fun, the water fights are considered a cleansing ritual. in this Buddhist culture. In order to be respectful while enjoying yourself, be careful not to throw water on monks, babies, or the elderly. Also, don’t throw dirty water, hot water, or water with ice. Safety is a major concern. Thailand has the world’s second highest traffic fatality rate, and road accidents double during holidays. Over Songkran’s seven- day period, approximately 4,000 injuries and more than 3,500 accidents occur each year. In 2015, most accidents involved motorcycles, so don’t throw water at motorcyclists. Also, make sure that your driver hasn’t been drinking alcohol. Drunk driving and speeding cause Water not enough fun for you? Some revelers dump foam on each other. most of the fatal accidents, averaging 340 deaths annually, approximately 50 per day during Songkran, or the ‘Seven Dangerous the rowdy water drenchings, Songkran (or ‘Deadly’) Days of Songkran’. will remain very popular for years to come. So if you’re ever near Thailand Songkran Fun! in April, check out Songkran, one of the With everything from solemn rituals most unique New Year’s celebrations in and colorful traditions to parades, the world . . . but beware! You will get performances, fireworks, and of course, soaked! “Sawasdee Pee Mai!” 29 Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year By Debra Friedland Katz

t is Rosh Hashanah eve, the beginning of the Jewish New Year. I welcome my Igrandparents to our house with the traditional Rosh Hashanah greeting, L’Shanah Tovah (luh-SHAH-nah TOE-vah), Hebrew for “to a good year”. My grandparents return the greeting. Rosh Hashanah means “head of the year” and celebrates the birthday of the world. It is one of the holiest days of the Jewish year and is observed for two days, beginning on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishri, which falls in September or early October. We gather around the dining room table for the blessings before our holiday dinner. Mom recites the blessing over two tall candlesticks. Dad holds up a goblet and says the blessing over the wine. Next, we recite the Sheheheyanu (sheh-heh-hee-YAH-noo), a blessing thanking God for enabling us to celebrate this special occasion. I pick up the hallah and begin the Hamotzi (hah-MOE -tzi), the blessing over the bread. Unlike the hallah we eat on the , which is long and braided, this hallah is round, to symbolize the circle of life. Now it is time for . We all say the blessing, take a piece of apple, and dip it into the honey. Yum! On Rosh Hashanah we eat sweet foods in the hope of a sweet New Year.

Dipping apples in honey symbolizes the desire for a “sweet” year.

30 Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year

After dinner, I say goodbye to my grandparents, but I know I will see them tomorrow at synagogue. On Rosh Hashanah we don’t work or go to school. We spend the morning attending worship services. Rosh Hashanah is a joyful holiday, but it is also a serious one. It is the beginning of the Days of Awe, which end 10 days later on Kippur, the Day of Atonement. During the worship service we pray that we are inscribed in the for another year. We think about our behavior over the past year and about how we can do better in the next. It is also a time to ask for forgiveness from anyone we may have hurt. I think about times I may have been rude, bad-tempered, or argued with my mom. The , the Jewish holy book, commands us to hear the sound of the (SHOW-far), a hollowed-out ram’s horn, on Rosh Hashanah. The ba’al tekiah (bah-al teh-KEE-uh), shofar blower, practices before the holiday to learn the different notes:tekiah , a short blast; shevarim (sheh-vah-REEM), a group of three blasts; and teruah (teh-ROO-ah), nine short blasts. During

Rosh Hashanah is a time for prayer.

31 the service, our Rabbi calls the notes before each blast. The last blast, the tekiah gedolah (geh-DOE -lah) is the longest. The ba’al tekiah’s cheeks bulge and his face turns red as he holds the note until he is completely out of air. Wow! A murmur of awe and praise rises from the congregation when the blast finally ends. In the afternoon, my family joins members of our congregation at a lake near our synagogue, for tashlich (tosh-LEEK). We empty our pockets of crumbs and toss them into the water as a symbol of casting off our sins of the past year. Ten days pass quickly and it is , a solemn day and the holiest day of the Jewish year. Adults fast from sundown the night before to sundown on Yom Kippur day. During the worship service we recite prayers confess sins, ask God for forgiveness, and vow to do better in the coming year. We hear one long, final blast from the shofar. As my family leaves the synagogue at sundown to break the fast at my grandparents’ house, I look to the New Year with hope for peace and happiness.

A man plays the shofar, a hollowed out ram’s horn.

32 FAST FACTS: • There are three main denominations of • The Jewish day begins at sundown and : Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox. ends the next day at sundown. We know it is They differ in how strictly they adhere to the sundown when we see three stars in the traditions and practices of the religion. sky. begin on Conservative and Orthodox the evening before the date celebrate Rosh Hashanah for noted on most calendars. two days. Some Reform Jews Rosh Hashanah falls celebrate Rosh Hashanah for on October 3rd on the only one day. 2016 calendar, but the holiday actually begins at sundown on October 2nd. Round rather than rectangular, hallah is eaten on Rosh Hashanah.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Here is a hint: The revelers in ader is en s re joyin thi g this city are called re he e r Muscovites. h co w p w y o o n f k F u A o C y E o S ? D

Answer is on page 48 33 A CLOSER LOOK Baby, You’re a Firework

Whoops! Fireworks were believed to have been created accidentally in China about 2,000 years ago, when bamboo was thrown into a fire. Air pockets in the bamboo created a bang when heated. Eventually, the Chinese began experimenting by putting chemicals such as charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter (potassium nitrate) into the bamboo shoots. Tada! Fireworks!

compiled by Carolee Miot McIntosh

34 Fireworks were used as a weapon during battles China is the largest manufacturer and exporter of beginning in the 10th century. fireworks in the world.

Some credit Marco Polo with bringing fireworks to The sounds made by fireworks depend on what Europe in 1295. Other historians claim they were type of chemical is used. more likely brought by Arab traders. China may have invented the firework, but Italy On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife, gave them color. Abigail, that fireworks should be used to celebrate U.S. independence from England. Disney World is the largest consumer of fireworks in the United States. Norway holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s biggest fireworks display. In November The “Yonshakudama” is the largest single firework 2014, 540,382 were used in the record-setting in the world. It was created in in 2014 and display. measures four feet in diameter. When it explodes, its bloom covers more than 2,400 feet!

35 Hijri: The Islamic New Year

by Marcia Amidon Lusted

Worshippers pray on the night of the hijri.

ot every New Year’s celebration is a party. And not every New Year takes place on January 1. For followers of the Islamic religion, the new year, or hijri, may take place on a different date each year. The Islamic religion follows its own lunar Ncalendar, based on the appearance of the crescent moon in the sky every month (and which is why many flags from Islamic countries have a crescent symbol on them). Most rely on Islamic authorities to determine when a new month begins, as cloudy skies or bad weather might make it impossible to actually see the crescent moon. As a result, the is different from the Gregorian calendar that much of the world uses, by 11 days. It only has 354 days instead of 365. This means that the Islamic New Year of hijri does not usually fall on the same day that the rest of the world is celebrating New Year’s.

36 Hijri: The Islamic New Year Hijri is celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month of . This is the month when the Muslim prophet emigrated from to in A.D. 622 and established an Islamic state. His journey is called the , and his move helped grow as a religion. The Islamic calendar counts the years from the date of the hegira, which is why their calendar dates always contain the letters AH, for After Hegira. In 2015, Muharram begins on October 13 and ends on November 12. However, in 2016 Muharram begins on October 1 and ends on October 30. Muharram is considered one of the four holy months of Islam, and frequently Muslims will fast during this time. Hijri is a time to think about the importance and meaning of the hegira. Because hijri marks the beginning of this holy month as well as the start of a new Islamic year, it is not celebrated with the same kind of festivities that other countries and religions celebrate their new year with. Even among Muslims, it is a quiet celebration compared to other religious festivals. Muslims gather in mosques for special services of prayers and readings. A major part of the celebration is telling the story of Muhammad’s flight to Medina and why it was so important. It is also a time for Muslims to think about the passing of time and the fact that they will grow older and eventually die, and may be a good time to make some sort of resolutions for the coming year. Hijri may not be a New Year’s celebration filled with parties, fireworks, and food. But just like any celebration of a new year anywhere, it is a time to think about where we have been and where we are going.

37 holiday of hope by Debbie Detering

Kurds celebrate the new year on March 21, when flowers are budding and day and night are the same length. New Ruz — or New Day — began more than 2,500 years ago, when legend and history tell of deliverance from an evil ruler. King Zohak enslaved the Kurdish people around 700 B.C. History says he ruled from the ancient city of Halwan. According to legend, King Zohak killed people to feed the snakes growing out of his shoulders. Kawe, a blacksmith with shoulders powerful from hard work with anvils and hammers, led the Kurdish people in surrounding King Zohak’s palace. While the people attacked the guards, Kawe rushed behind them and grabbed Zohak by the neck. Kawe killed King Zohak with his hammer and dragged him off his throne. The good news of King Zohak’s death was telegraphed across the by bonfires lit on mountaintops. Ever since then, Kurds have celebrated New Ruz with bonfires. Kurds who have escaped the dangers in their homeland still celebrate New Ruz. In Idaho, Kauther Selevany and her sisters Khansa and Sakna help their mother cook dolmas. They mix rice with chicken, pepper, lemon

New Ruz is a time to hope for happy days ahead.

38 holiday of hope by Debbie Detering

seasoning, and tomato. They stuff small summer squash or green peppers with the rice, or wrap it in grape leaves. They make bread like thick, soft pizzas. The Selevanys wear their best clothes and join other Kurdish families in a park. Each family brings food. In Boise, they do not play horns and drums, but they do play tapes of Kurdish music. They hold hands and dance in a line, men and women separately. They raise their arms to shoulder height and shake their arms and shoulders in time to the music. They stamp and kick their feet. Children learn to dance by imitating their parents. There are many different dances performed throughout Kurdistan. Some Kurds have brought the dances of their village to the United States. The Selevanys and their friends remember how Kawe freed his people from King Zohak. They hope that someday all Kurds will be free in their own country, Kurdistan. They remember family they left behind and family members who have died. Some memories are sad, but the flowers and the warm sun of spring bring hope that happier days are ahead. New Ruz is a time of both joy and sadness, a time of longing for a homeland and a time of thanksgiving for family and friends. New Ruz Piroz Be! Happy New Ruz!

Kurds take part in New Ruz festivities in Istanbul, Turkey.

39

Jumbled below, you will find a quote about making the most of every day attributed to American essayist Ralph FALLEN QUOTE Waldo Emerson. The letters are directly below the column in which they fit, but are mixed up within the column. It is your job to determine where each letter goes.

Answer is on page 48.

H A E R I E A R D Y O V E R Y S Y I T I S Y H U T H E E T E T A I N A F T E W R B T E D A Y R T H O T

Answer is on page 48

The use of a baby as a symbol of the new year began in ancient about 4,000 years ago.

Face Facts by Janise Gates

41 The Chinese Zodiac THE RAT RACE by Sarah Novak

line of animals had gathered on the for a free ride. As soon as the ox arrived at Ariverbank — a pig, a dog, a rooster, a the opposite bank, the rat leaped off and monkey, a goat, a horse, a snake, a dragon, a scampered to the Jade Emperor, first in line. rabbit, a tiger, an ox, and a rat. “How will we The ox was second, followed by the other get across the river to the Jade Emperor?” animals one by one, with the slow pig last. But they asked each other. “He invited us to race where was the cat? He had missed the race to his Heavenly Palace!” “How will I get to entirely. He was still napping by the warm the other side first?” thought the crafty rat. stove because the rat had forgotten to wake The powerful ox, confident in his strength, him as promised. Or did that rat really forget? plunged in and began to swim across. The That is why the cat and the rat are enemies, others followed, except for and why there are 12 animals in the rat. He had already the Chinese zodiac, with climbed up on the rat first and the the ox’s back pig last.

42 That paper placemat under your bowl of wonton soup at the Chinese restaurant probably has pictures of those 12 animals, along with some dates and descriptions. They are the Zhongguo shuxiang, or Chinese zodiac. Unlike the Western zodiac and its constellations, the Chinese zodiac is based on an ancient calendar. However, this calendar’s cycle includes 12 years, not 12 months. Each year in a cycle is named for one of the zodiac animals, and the animal is said to “rule” that year. For example, the year 2016 is the Year of the Monkey, and 2017 is the Year of the Rooster.

Happy New Year, Chinese Style The traditional new year in China officially begins not on January 1, but on the first day of the , a date that varies from year to year. A lunar year is measured by the recurring phases of the moon. According to Chinese reckoning, the new year begins at the second new moon after the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year). The exact day varies, but always falls between late January and the middle of February. This

date marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated with parades, feasts, and fireworks as the most important holiday in China and for Chinese communities worldwide. Many people, however, when figuring out their Chinese zodiac animal sign simplify the process by using the corresponding Western year that begins in January.

Mysterious Origins Other than the folktale version, no one knows exactly how the selection and order of the zodiac animals began. Some scholars think they may have originated with ancient Chinese clans that chose an animal they hunted, farmed with, or worshiped to identify

43 their tribe. According to tradition, the legendary Yellow Emperor established a zodiac system, along with bestowing fire, medicine, weapons, and agriculture on his people. Adding up the years since his reign (said to be 2697–2597 B.C.) makes the Western year 2016 equivalent to Lunar Year 4714.

Tombs and Travelers Tomb paintings dating from the 6th century B.C. depict the zodiac animals, and a pottery set fashioned in the shape of figures with animal heads and human bodies was discovered in a tomb dating to the Tang dynasty (A.D. 618–90). Some historians suggest that the concept of the animal zodiac was not originally Chinese but was brought by Buddhist monks and other travelers on the Silk Road, the ancient trading routes that connected China with and the Mediterranean Sea.

44 Year of Destiny The Western calendar was established officially in China in 1912 at the end of theQing dynasty. The old calendar was not abolished officially until 1949, with the creation of the People’s Republic of China. Many Chinese people, however, still enjoy the traditions of their zodiac animal. Every recurring 12th year of a person’s zodiac sign is considered a benming year, or “year of personal destiny.” A 60th birthday — five sets of 12 years — completes the cycle, and is celebrated as a special occasion. In Chinese tradition, the Jade Emperor is the ruler of heaven. A lunar year is an interval of 12 lunar months. The average time between new or full — that is, a — equals 29 days, 12 hours, and 44 minutes. The Yellow Emperor was known as Huangdi. The Chinese honor him as a legendary ruler who brought culture and civilization. Dynasty refers to a family

or group holding power for many years. Buddhists are followers of Buddha (563?–483? B.C.), the Indian founder of Buddhism, whose followers seek enlightenment, a blessed state in which a person rises above desire and suffering and attains Nirvana — an ideal condition of rest, harmony, stability, or joy. Oracle refers to a prediction or advice from a divine source. Solar year refers to the period of time it takes the earth to make one complete revolution around the sun — 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45.51 seconds. Yin and yang are Chinese words for complementary but opposite forces that make up the life force.

Freelance writer and editor Sarah Novak specializes in history and travel. She particularly enjoys the people and culture of China, and her Chinese zodiac sign is the goat.

45 Fireworks Over Sydney

by Brenda Breuls

very year people all around the world use Efireworks to celebrate the New Year. The bright colors and shapes that whistle and boom A Fireworks Drawing across the city night skyline fill spectators with on New Year’s Eve a sense of awe and excitement. Often fireworks are exploded over a lake or ocean so the viewer Materials: has the double pleasure of seeing the display reflected in water. Of course, wherever there • Black paper for pastels are beautiful sights to see, you’ll be sure to find • Newsprint an artist trying to capture the sight through • Chalk pastels sketches, paintings, or photography. Does your • Fixative or hairspray city have a fireworks presentation on New Year’s? You could capture it in a sketch.

46 STEP 1: Inspiration STEP 3: Drawing Find some photos of your city’s (or another city’s) When you are ready, begin your drawing on the firework displays, or better yet take some photos of black pastel paper. The colors will seem to pop much it yourself. Choose one that shows some of the city’s more than on the newsprint. It will be very satisfying skyline or prominent buildings. If there is water, look as your colors streak across the page. Washing your for a photo that captures the reflections. You may hands every so often can help to keep the chalk need to combine several photos and use parts of pastels from smudging. each photograph for ideas of what to include in your sketch. Make several rough sketches on newsprint to warm up and get your ideas flowing. STEP 4: Fixing When your drawing is complete, take it outside and STEP 2: Planning spray a fine mist of fixative or hairspray over the Experiment with different lines and shapes to create entire piece. This will help to bind or fix the chalk an explosion of color. Will you use a rainbow of to the paper. It will make the colors seem slightly colors or keep to two or three? Create highlights brighter too. Perhaps you could make copies of your in the arches of fireworks by making the center drawing using a color photocopier and turn them lighter, almost white, then shading in the color as into cards or invitations to host your very own New the explosion bursts. Show the brightness of the city Year’s Eve City Fireworks Viewing Party. buildings by making them similar colors. You could make reflections rippling in the water with a series of horizontal lines drawn in a streak. Try different ways of blending; you can even use your fingers to smudge the colors. It takes some practice to keep control and to keep the shapes sharp without blending them too much. Enjoy the process.

Contest: Fireworks Display! Send us your “Fireworks Display”! Mail your creation to FACES Fireworks Display, Cricket Media, 70 E Lake Street, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60601 or email a high resolution scan to [email protected] by Feb. 15, 2016. Be sure to include your full name, age, and address. Select art will be featured in an upcoming issue of FACES. *All submissions become property of Cricket Media and will not be returned. 47 Answer to Mystery Photo on inside front cover: This is a close-up of a dragon from a Chinese EDITOR’S PICK New Year Parade.

Answer to New Year’s Crossword on page 25: ACROSS 1. Ochs;4. Pygymy marmoset;6. Janus; 7. Grapes; The Year of the Dog 8. Monkey; 9. Songkran. By Grace Lin DOWN Meet Pacy, a Taiwanese American girl who is 1. Circle; 3. Hogmanay; 5. Rosh Hashanah; 6. Julius Caesar. learning to mesh her two cultures. This book follows her throughout one year – the Year Answer to Where in the World on page 33: These fireworks are lighting up the night sky over of the Dog. Celebrating with her family, Pacy Moscow, . discovers that this is the year she is supposed to Answer to Fallen Quote on page 41: “Write it in “find herself” and it will be a lucky year for her. your heart that every day is the best day of the It is a year of growing up, making new friends, year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson and discovering new talents. Her bond with her Answer to New Year’s Eve! on back cover: family continues to grow stronger. Lin has a humorous style and the text is complimented by whimsical drawings. You will enjoy this book and its sequel, The Year of the Rat.

Ages 8 and up Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2007 http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids/

SAY WHAT?

Picture Credits: Christophe Testi/Shutterstock.com: inside from September front cover; Gudrun Muenz/Shutterstock.com: 2-3; Desig- nua/Shutterstock.com: 4-5; Atmosphere1/Shutterstock. “Does this hat make me 2015 FACES: com: 4 (top left); Dmitry_islentev/Shutterstock.com: 4 look Irish? (bottom left); zhu difeng/Shutterstock.com: 5 (top right); The United Kingdom: – Daniel Gargano/Shutterstock.com: 5 (bottom right); bluedo- groom/Shutterstock.com: 6 (top); ananaline/Shutterstock. A Royal Experience com: 6 (bottom); BMJ/Shutterstock.com: 7 (top); world- “Where is my pot of swoldlifewonders/Shutterstock.com: 7 (bottom); Aristas/ gold?” Shutterstock.com: 12, 23 (top); IMAND/Alamy Stock – Grace Photo: 13 (top); Romeo Ranoco/Reuters: 13 (bottom); Marco Secchi/Alamy Stock Photo: 14; Dave Young/Age “Leprechaun? I didn’t Fotostock: 16; David Roberston/Alamy Stock Photo: 17; Mike Segar/Reuters: 18; Robert Harding World Imagery/ see any leprechaun.” Alamy Stock Photo: 18-19; Frances Roberts/ Alamy Stock – Olivia Photo: 20; zoran milich/Alamy Stock Photo: 21; Vadym Zaitsev/Shutterstock.com: 22; Ninell/Shutterstock.com: 23 “Nope, nothing Irish (bottom); Nebojsa Markovic/Shutterstock.com: 24; beltsa- zar/Shutterstock.com: 25; topten22photo/Shutterstock. here!” com: 26; Wasu Watcharadachaphong/Shutterstock.com: – Dasha P. 27: Surrphoto/Shutterstock.com: 28; Pornsak Paewlum- faek/Shutterstock.com: 29 (top); Nattakit Jeerapatmaitree/ “Irish I had a different Shutterstock.com: 29 (bottom); PhotoStock-Israel/Alamy hat!” Stock Photo: 30, 31; Hanan Isachar/Alamy Stock Photo: 32; Oleksandr Pakhay/Alamy Stock Photo: 33 (top); – Penny Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock.com: 33 (bottom); Tom Wang/Shutterstock.com: 34-35; REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh: 36; Trymyr/Shutterstock.com: 37; thomas koch/ Shutterstock.com: 38; redrabit/shutterstock.com: 42; gala. gleb/Shutterstock.com: 43-45 (all); harper kt/Shutterstock. com: 46; DragoNika/Shutterstock.com: 48; David Carillet/ Shutterstock.com: 49. Cricket Media has made every effort to trace the copyright of these images. 48 ONE LAST FACE

Fill in the speech bubble for this photograph. The best entries will be published in an upcoming issue! Send your captions to [email protected]. Please put the title of this issue in the subject line.

49 FACES • JANUARY 2016 VOLUME 32 • NUMBER 4 NEW YEARS EVE! Help the New Year’s reveler find his way through the crowd to his friend. Answer is on page 48

illustration by Chuck Whelon

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