New Year's Eve Trivia Questions

This Southern US tradition dates back to the Civil War. Black-eyed peas were seen as lucky livestock feed, and their coin-like appearance symbolizes future prosperity.

Ancient Babylonians celebrated the new year during the spring equinox in March with a festival called Akitu. January 1 became standard only with the Roman calendar.

Congress did pass a law establishing New Year's Day as a federal holiday, but it was in 1870, not 1900. The year is incorrect, making the statement false.

The first ball drop in Times Square occurred on December 31, 1907, inaugurated to replace banned fireworks. It has continued annually, with only brief wartime interruptions.

Robert Burns wrote the lyrics in 1788 based on a folk song, but the melody we know today was a slower arrangement. Its original tempo was much more upbeat.

The first ball drop in 1907 was made of iron and wood, lit by 100 bulbs, but it wasn't wooden—it weighed 700 pounds and was designed by a metalworker.

Many traditions hold that the first person you encounter at midnight influences your fortune, and a kiss symbolizes affection and a wish for good luck.

Until March 2018, Indiana had a blue law banning Sunday carry-out alcohol sales. December 31, 2017, was a Sunday, so no alcohol could be sold that New Year's Eve.