As we approach New Year’s Eve, a time of reflection and planning fills the thoughts of most. People are also excited about some traditions that take place every year, which made me think of some of the origins.
The infamous ball drop started in 1833, but was originally used at England’s Royal Observatory in Greenwich was dropped at 1 p.m. every day to help ship captains coordinate their navigation equipment. These were set up in coastal areas around the world.
The ball itself was. It actually dropped until 1907. Also the tradition of gathering in Times Square for New Year’s started as a party to celebrate the opening of time square building.
The original ball itself was once 700 pounds of iron and wood. It was later reduced to just 400 pounds of iron before they switched to an aluminum frame in 1955. The now 11,875 pound ball didn’t get its new look (and materials) until the millenium when Waterford partnered with Philips Lighting to create a shimmery LED display.
If you are watching the ball drops on tv or in person, have fun, be safe, set real goals with changed behavior. Happy holidays and new year to all.