The Daily

Every year at midnight on New Year’s Eve, cities around the world are lit up by fireworks to welcome in the new year; and every year, millions of us stop to watch the spectacle unfold – but have you ever considered why we do this, and what meaning this tradition may actually have? Like many traditions, its origins are rooted deep in human history.

To explore the origins of the New Year’s Eve fireworks, 2SER producer Cameron Furlong spoke with Professor Tony Aveni, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and Anthropology at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York.

For further reading on seasonal holidays and their history check out Prof. Aveni’s book: The Book of the Year, and more information on Prof. Aveni and his work can be found here.