The cross is an ancient symbol for the axis of the world, the point at which heaven and earth make contact. In Christendom, the cross symbolizes salvation through Christ's sacrifice.
For Christians, it is the year 2000. The Christian world calculates the years from the traditional date of the birth of Jesus.
New Year's Eve is not strictly a religious festival, but since the sixteenth century people in Europe have celebrated it on the 31st of December. One rings out the old year with festive food and drink. In some circles one tries to divine the future by means of molten lead poured into cold water. The shapes into which it congeals are then interpreted and said to prefigure the future. As the clock strikes twelve, revellers toast the moment with champagne, set off fireworks and wish one another a Happy New Year.
