Public heartbroken but understanding
KUCHING: This year’s annual New Year countdown celebration to welcome 2021 here may differ from those of yesteryears due to restrictions imposed by the authorities to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng recently said MBKS’s annual countdown event which typically features fireworks and entertainment activities will not be held and a virtual celebration may instead be planned.
A recent survey by New Sarawak Tribune discovered that while many people were disappointed with the announcement, many felt that it was necessary to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
They believe that it would be difficult to adhere to the set standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines in the case of a mass gathering of crowds to spectate the annual celebration.
The respondents also stressed the importance of maintaining the low number of Covid-19 cases in the state and prevent a spike in the number of cases which they claim to be possible, should a grand celebration be held.
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KARUNA SHO HEI
Expressing the opinion that the importance of a virtual celebration as an ideal approach to mitigate the pandemic is Karuna Sho Hei. “The best option for us is to participate in the virtual celebration instead of an actual gathering. It is still too early for us to show leniency as Covid-19 is still very much present here in the state,” said Karuna.
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SALASIAH SAFIAN
Salasiah Safian also acknowledged the significance of MBKS’s initiative in which she stated, “I think this is a good initiative on MBKS’s part as we are still facing the Covid-19 pandemic. We should avoid any large gatherings to prevent a spike in the number of cases in our beloved state.”
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CAESAR LAMBONG
In emphasising the importance of public awareness on being extra safe and acknowledging the qualities of the mayor, Caesar Lambong stressed that “Having the New Year celebration virtually is a good measure to prevent Covid-19 transmission. The people need to be aware that extra safety precautions need to be taken and the initiative of the mayor should be appreciated as it is for the safety of everyone.”
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LARRY NAZARIN
Larry Nazarin, one who believes that reducing the risk of exposure is everyone’s priority stated, “this is a sad situation indeed. However, I believe that it is for our good and it would also keep the people healthy and not be exposed to the risk of Covid-19 infection. I hope that we get to celebrate it next year.
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New year covid
When 2021 comes, who will care about 2020? For sure, no one will miss it considering that it is infamous for being the year of the Covid-19 pandemic.
New Year’s Eve parties would be great just like in previous years if not for the pandemic. It can get worse if celebrators don’t play it safe on December 31.
So, here’s how to celebrate the start of 2021 safely:
1. Party late or finish early
You could have an early dinner and celebration then send everyone home to ring in the new year separately or have guests arrive closer to midnight to count down to 2021 together briefly.
2. Light up your party
If you like lots of party lights (which are the norm at big gatherings), use high-tech twinkly lights to create a more clubby vibe. You can also provide glow-in-the-dark necklaces, 2021 glasses, and glittery tiaras and hats.
3. Forget the year 2020
Who wants to remember the pandemic year? Clean your homes before the New Year to sweep away bad luck and welcome in the good.
4. If you believe in luck, serve lucky foods
Several cultures have versions of good luck food. Serve them. For example, long noodles symbolise long and prosperous life in China and Japan. Black-eyed peas are good luck in the south of the USA. Germans eat marzipan pigs for an auspicious start to the New Year. At midnight, follow the Spanish tradition of popping 12 grapes in your mouth to get a fresh start for the New Year.
5. Avoid accidental sharing of drinks
Make cups/glasses look different so that people don’t accidentally consume someone else’s drinks.
6. No kissing
In some cultures, the New Year’s kiss is a tradition, but stick with someone from your household when you do it.
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Happy New Year Wishes & Greetings
Here are some favourite Happy New Year wishes to say to co-workers, neighbours or anyone who means something good to you.
> Happy New Year! May you have a bright future!
> May you have health, wealth, and happiness in the year ahead.
> A very Happy New Year to the one who adds sunshine to our family.
> May you have an extraordinary year ahead!
> May every day of 2021 inspire you to grow!
> Goodbye to 2020 and embrace 2021 with hope, dreams, and ambition. Wishing you a year full of happiness!
> I hope all your dreams come true this coming year and onwards!
> May you have all the good things in life you truly deserve.
> May 2021 be the most fruitful year for you.
> May the New Year be filled with peace, warmth, togetherness and prosperity.
> Warmest thoughts and best wishes for 2021.
> May your 12 months of 2021 be full of new achievements and happiness.
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Why is New Year’s Day on Jan 1?
As the world counts down to midnight December 31, let’s question why people celebrate the New Year on Jan 1.
The New Year wasn’t always on Jan. 1, and is still not in some countries.
During the Roman era, March marked the beginning of the calendar. In 46 BC, Julius Caesar created the Julian calendar, which set the New Year that is celebrated today.
But New Year’s days continued to change in the calendar until Pope Gregory XIII implemented the Gregorian calendar in 1582. The Gregorian calendar was an attempt to make the calendar stop wandering with respect to the seasons.
Nowadays, Jan 1 is almost universally recognised as the New Year, though there are a few holdouts. Afghanistan, Ethiopian, Iran, Nepal and Saudi Arabia celebrate on different dates.
