1. Which country originally celebrated the New Year as All Hollows Eve in October and what holiday has this come to be known? How do you say “Happy New Year” in Gaelic?
–Irish; Halloween; Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit
2. On which day of the year do Muslims celebrate the New Year and why is it done this way? How do you say “Happy New Year” in Arabic?
-it is based on the luner calendar and it lasts 9 days; Kul 'aam u antum salimoun
3. When is the New Year celebrated in China and how long does it last? What color is used to celebrate the New Year? Why are firecrackers used in the celebration? How do you say “Happy New Year” in China?
-from January 21-February 20(9 days); tangerine; they think it will get rid of bad spirits; Chu Shen Tan
4. In which country is the goddess of the macumba voodoo cult honored on New Year’s Eve and how? How do you say “Happy New Year” in this country?
-Brazil; a sacrificial boat with flowers, jewelery and candles is sent out; Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo
5. What is Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippeur? Which religion celebrates these holidays?
–They are the way the Jewish people celebrate the new year
6. Which two countries were the first to celebrate the New Year and why?
-Samoa and Tokelau; they are the first ones to cross the International Date Line
7. What tragedy happened in the Philippines during the New Year celebration?
-people were shooting guns and fireworks at people
8. What somber New Year message came from Germany’s chancellor to its citizens?
-that 2012 would be more difficult than 2011, but hoped Europe's debt crisis would bring its member states closer.
9. What substance was banned in Russia to keep the