The Origin of New Year’s Resolutions

Happy New Year! For many in the UK, if the New Year means anything, it means       1     (turn) over new leaf. And to do this, many of us make New Year’s resolutions-a list of ways     2     we intend to improve ourselves in the year ahead. We reflect on our past mistakes and make up our minds not to do them again.     3     (give) up smoking is ever popular, as is a promise to take up more exercise or spend more time with family.

But have you ever wondered when the idea of a New Year’s resolution comes from? The answer might lie in ancient Babylonia, according to History. com. The Babylonians     4     (believe) to be the first to hold recorded celebrations for the New Year. The 12 day-long celebration,     5     (name) Akitu, allowed them not only     6     (show) their loyalty to the King, but also to appeal to the gods to pay their debts and return the borrowed objects.

The ancient Romans too had similar traditions. New Year’s Day was a time     7     all government officers would take an oath(发誓) that they     8     obey the laws and support the city leader. Incidentally, the month of January is named after the Roman god Janus. He is the god of beginnings, transitions and time, among other things and is described as having two faces-one looking to the past and     9     facing forward to the future.

Whether you’re looking at a quick behavioral change     10     a huge personality checkup, you’re taking part in a tradition that goes back centuries. I wish you all the best sticking to your resolutions. Happy New Year!

The word taboo comes from the Tongan language and is used in modern English to describe verbal and nonverbal behavior that is forbidden or to be avoided.     1     what some may think, taboos are not universal. They tend to be specific to a culture or country, and usually form around a group’s values and beliefs.     2     is considered acceptable behavior in one country may be a serious taboo in another. Therefore,     3     you travel to another country, on business or vacation, it is helpful to learn some of that country’s customs     4     you don’t insult the local people.

Verbal taboos usually involve topics     5     people believe are too private to talk about publicly, or release to one’s manner of speaking. In many cultures, for example, it is considered bad manners to discuss subjects     6     sex or religion in public. In some countries, the volume of one’s voice may annoy people.

Nonverbal taboos usually relate to body languages. One of the biggest difference among many Western Asian, and African cultures is the use of eye contact. In the USA, people make eye contact when talking to others. If a person avoids eye contact, others might think they are being honest or     7     they lack confidence. In many Asian and African cultures, however, children are taught to lower their eyes when talking to their elders, or     8     of higher rank, as a way to show respect.

Certain gestures made with the hands can have very different meanings depending on     9     you are. For example, Crossing your middles finger over your forefinger is the sign for good luck in many western countries, in Vietnam and Argentina, however, it is an unsuitable gesture.

Behavior that is acceptable and non-offensive in one culture can be highly offensive in another. When visiting a foreign country, be aware of some of the basic differences,     10     will help to ensure a more enjoyable trip.