Origins of New Year's Toasts

Did you ever consider that the New Year's toasts and resolutions that people make on New Year's Eve have their origins in pagan ritual? For instance, the Norse drank toasts at sumbel. According to Scott Mohnkern at the Modern Heathen blog,

"One format for the sumbel is to drink three rounds. The first is dedicated to the Gods, the second to ancestors, and the third to personal ancestors, heroes, or friends which have passed from this world. An alternative to this for the first round to be to the Gods, the second to an ancestor who has passed on, and the third a personal boast."

Toasting is also important in Celtic Druid rites as Robin Herne points out in this article at The Druid Network

"A variety of activities may be incorporated into a Druid festival, but often include toasts to gods, ancestors and local land spirits; the making of gifts to the spirits; poetry and storytelling; celebrations of the beauty of Nature; offerings of food and drink, etc."

So my questions is, who or what will you be toasting this New Year?

Brightest blessings to you and yours!
Belisana