Every year on December 31, millions of people watch a glowing crystal ball drop in Times Square to mark the beginning of a new year. This famous tradition started in 1907 in New York City. The first ball was about five feet wide, weighed around 700 pounds, and was lit with 216 electric lamps. It was lowered using a pulley system. Since then, the ball has dropped every year except in 1942 and 1943 during World War II.
Before the ball drop existed, Times Square celebrations included large fireworks shows. In 1904, fireworks were launched at midnight, but hot ash fell onto the crowd, creating dangerous conditions. Although no one was seriously hurt, city officials decided to ban fireworks in 1907. Event organizers then searched for a safer way to celebrate midnight and introduced the ball drop as a new attraction.
Over time, the ball has evolved. Today’s version, introduced in 2008, is a 12-foot-wide geodesic sphere made of thousands of crystals and LED lights. It can display millions of colors and patterns, making it the largest crystal ball in the world.
The idea of dropping a ball actually comes from an older naval tradition in 19th-century England. Ships used “time balls” to know the exact time. The modern New Year’s ball drop adapted this old method into a bright and festive tradition enjoyed by millions worldwide.
Vocabulary:
• glowing (adj): shining with a soft, bright light.
• pulley (noun): a wheel system used to lift or lower heavy objects.
• weigh (verb): to have a certain weight.
• ban (verb): to officially stop something from being allowed.
• ash (noun): the grey powder left after something burns.
• commotion (noun): a noisy and confusing situation.
• gimmick (noun): a special trick or idea to attract attention.
• sphere (noun): a round 3D shape like a ball.
• nautical (adj): related to ships or the sea.
• adjust (verb): to change slightly to make something correct.
Source: Colossal Cranium