Auld Lang Syne

Where do New Year’s Resolutions come from?

Believe it or not they originated in 153 BC from Roman mythology. In fact, January is named after the Roman god, Janus, god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. Only cultures that use the 365 day calendar celebrate New Years festivities on January 1st, though some form of New Year’s traditions are integral to many societies. In western civilization gifts have always been exchanged even though the specific date of celebration for the new year has gone through some changes.

Ancient Roman coin depicting two faced god Janus

We carry on the tradition of gift giving on December 25th and hold off making resolutions until January 1st. Making a resolution was formerly a tribute to god Janus in celebration of being given a new beginning. A personal resolution trends in the betterment of ones’ life. Many times exercise and/or health ranks at the top of most popular resolutions, hence the reason there is such a rapid increase of gym goers in January (that and the fact that everyone has just indulged in multiple holiday feasts!)

Health and money continue to top the charts as the most popular resolutions, however it is interesting to see how the trendy resolutions change from year to year.

Charts of top new years resolutions taken from 43things.com

Some Charles Luck ideas and outlooks for 2011.

“I have always liked the idea of personal goals but never really had many new years resolutions. My belief is anyone can start a goal anytime they want. The more you share your goals (with significant other, friends, co-workers) the more likely you can achieve them. Putting your goals in writing increases success as well. All this can definitely work with NY resolutions.

As for the goals themselves – balancing life is key for me. I think of it in terms of marriage, friends, family, career, spiritual, education, community and health. “

~ Bill Eubank



“My New Year’s resolution is to spend more quality time with my significant other. Make an effort to find time to share things with each other and invest in listening. Turn the tv, blackberry, ipad, ipod, computer, etc. off and enjoy each other’s company and remember why we fell in love.”

~ Heather Reid



“My personal trouble with new year’s resolutions is that my effort waxes and wanes before ultimately fizzling out a few months later. This year I have decided to set a specific target date of May 15th. On this day I will be running the Pittsburgh half marathon. Not only does this give me a reason to get back into exercising, stay in shape, get what I pay for, but also a travel destination to one of my favorite cities! (I figure by publicly proclaiming this to many co-workers, friends and family I have locked myself in to being held accountable by many.)”

~ Meghan Meyers



To all of the eLan vital  Blog readers have a safe and prosperous New Year and see you in 2011!!!!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

and days of auld lang syne?

(auld lang syne = Scottish for good old days!)