After the compromise of 1877 - segregation became common in the south - blacks saw major economic gains everywhere - the south wished to forgive and forget regarding thecivil war - freedmen came to political power in all southern states - the south recovered quickly

this article will :

it's a secular holiday. it is and was a custom developed to recognize the ending of a time and a wish for a good future. the kind of kiss you exchange, if you are single, is intended to predict what kind of year you will have in the coming year.

it is saying good bye to the last year with all its ups and downs, and hello to the new year, with all its hopes and dreams.