New Year Around the World
In Japan on New Years, individuals observe Joya no Kane, where these objects are rung 108 times to cleanse temples from spirits
Bells
The two most popular instruments (by number of people they play them) are the piano and this
The Guitar
If you are very tired, you may do this
If someone else sees you do this, they may do it too
Yawn
(Fun Fact: Yawns are contagious, although scientists are not entirely sure why)
The first artificial one of these was made from green-dyed goose feathers
Artificial Christmas Tree
Elvis was born in this state in Southern USA
Mississippi
(Specifically the town of Tupelo)
In Greece, they hang this smelly vegetable from their doors as a symbol for growth and renewal in the New Year
Onion
While it is up to individual opinion, instrument and music experts consistently rate the French horn, Oboe, and this stringed instrument as the most difficult to learn
Violin
(Fun Fact: Many sources cite the violin's lack of frets, string placement, size and control of the bow as the difficult aspects)
Don't get it mixed up! This starchy vegetable is not the same as a Sweet Potato
Yam
(Fun Fact: Sweet potatoes have smooth skin, can be orange, white or purple, and are native to North America
Yams have thick, rough skin, can be white or yellow, and are native to Africa and Asia)
Edward Johnson, who was a close associate of Thomas Edison, invented this colorful decoration in 1882, most often used on Christmas trees
String Lights
(Fun Fact: The original string light had 80 bulbs, and came in the colors blue, red, or white! Johnson invented the lights as they were safer to put in a tree than small candles))
Elvis did not have naturally black hair, instead, his real hair color was this
Blonde
(Fun Fact: As a young boy, he had blonde hair. Inspired by Tony Curtis, Elvis began to dye his hair as a teen, originally using shoe polish and eventually real hair dye)
In Spain, just before midnight of December 31, people eat 12 of these small fruits for good luck in the new year
Grapes
(Fun Fact: This tradition began in the early 1900s due to a Grape surplus, it was a marketing tactic from farmers!)
The Piano was invented in early 1700, in this European Country
Italy
(Fun Fact: It was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori)
A long-haired cow native to Tibet and the Himalayas, known for its resilience to cold weather
Yak
In the late 1800s, wealthy families began slicing and drying these fruits so they could then string them onto a garland or hang them from a tree
Oranges
Elvis did have a middle name, it was this
Aaron
In Denmark, people smash and shatter these fragile objects on their neighbors doors for good luck and prosperity in the New Year
Dishes, plates, and glasses
In 1745, Britain banned the use of this instrument in Scotland, stating that it was a "weapon of war" used to incite uprisings against the British Kingdom
Bagpipes
This type of singing originated in the mountains of Switzerland, Germany and Austria
Yodeling
This decor item was invented in Germany in 1610, and was originally made of thin silver
Years later it was made from dangerous lead foil, and today it's made from painted PVC plastic
Tinsel
Known for his iconic 1955 Pink Cadillac, it may surprise you that his car was originally this color. He painted it pink later
Blue
In this South American Country, individuals pick and throw flowers into the ocean as a symbol of peace and prosperity
Brazil
The oldest surviving musical instrument is one of these from approximately 40,000 years ago
Flute
(Fun Fact: it was discovered in the Divje Babe cave, Slovenia)
Evidence states that this toy was most likely invented in China around 1000 BC
Yoyo
The first one of these wooden decorations was invented in Germany in 1872, and was shaped and painted to look like a royal military officer
Nutcracker
Elvis almost always performed in the United states, with the exception of his brief 1957 tour he did in this country
Canada
(Fun Fact: his military service took him to Germany, and he went through Scotland and France, but never performed)