December 31 is the name day of the New Year, and the name, like the female name Silvia, derives from the Latin word “silva” meaning forest. “New Year’s Eve” is often translated as “forest man”.
Three facts about New Year’s Eve
- Born on New Year’s Eve 335 AD: died sequentially. Pope Sylvester died on December 31, 335. The Vatican renamed the end of the year in his honor and even changed the date centuries later. Until the 16th century, the last day of the year was December 24.
- The New Year’s Eve sketch lasts 18 minutes: The British skit “Dinner for One” has been a part of New Year’s Eve since 1963. Lady Sophie is having a dinner party with her friends. Unfortunately everyone is dead – so the butler has to step in. By the way, the most repeated short film in the world is almost unknown in its country of origin.
- The first fireworks at the age of 1000: About 1000 years ago, the Chinese invented black powder, and before long the first rockets flew into the sky. The Arabs brought the art of rocket making to Italy in the 13th century. The first European fireworks can be admired in 1379 in Vicenza. RIP New Year’s Eve!