COUNTY LIFE
New Year’s traditions from around the world
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Making a lot of noise—from fireworks to gun shots to church bells—seems to be a favorite pastime around the world.
In ancient Thailand, guns were fired to frighten off demons.
In China, firecrackers routed the forces of darkness. In the early American colonies, the sound of pistol shots rang through the air.
Today, Italians let their church bells peal, the Swiss beat drums, and the North Americans sound sirens and party horns to bid the old year farewell.
Many New Year’s traditions surround food.
The tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight comes from Spain. Revelers stuff their mouths with 12 grapes in the final moments of the year—one grape for every chime of the clock!
In the southern U.S., black-eyed peas and pork foretell good fortune.
In Scotland—where Hogmanay is celebrated—people parade down the streets swinging balls of fire.
Eating any ring-shaped treat (such as a doughnut) symbolizes “coming full circle” and leads to good fortune.
Apples dipped in honey are a Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) tradition.
In Swiss homes, dollops of whipped cream, symbolizing the richness of the year to come, are dropped on the floors—and allowed to remain there!
Information from the Farmer’s Almanac
COUNTY LIFE
Bowie Back to School Fair Saturday
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The Back to School Fair for Bowie Independent School District students will be 9 a.m. on July 20 in the high school cafeteria and gym.
The fair will feature free school supplies, haircuts and eye screening and vendors.
COUNTY LIFE
July Jam planned for July 27
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The 22nd annual July Jam returns on July 27 to the Bowie Community Center West Hall, 413 Pelham Street in Bowie.
There will be a “chickin’ pickin’ fiddling fun time” as guests will be entertained by amazing fiddling tunes and enjoying a chicken meal with delicious homemade jams because it wouldn’t be July Jam without it.
Tickets are just $15 with the event starting at 6 p.m. The funds raised help provide awards for the Championship Fiddler Competition during Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival on Oct. 5.
This attracts talented musicians from all over to visit downtown Bowie to test their fiddling skills on stage in the Bowie Fire Hall on Oct. 5.
Along with the live fiddling entertainment, come hungry and be ready to outbid your neighbors at the silent auction or just stop by for a great meal, fellowship and soak in the air conditioning.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
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![](https://bowienewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mildred-dancing-1024x747.jpg)
COUNTY LIFE
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