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Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections History of New Year's Leah Ally Volume 5 Issue 3 January 14, 2025 Image Provided by Max Ching With the arrival of the new year of 2025 and the passing of 2024, it is a milestone worth celebrating. Whether it’s by watching the ball drop at Times Square, lighting fireworks, or making New Year’s resolutions, there are countless traditions that billions of people around the world look forward to. After all, a new year is often considered a clean slate and fresh start for many. However, why is January 1st considered the “new year” and how was it decided? While many may not think about it, there is a rich history behind New Year’s, its origins, and previous celebrations. To really understand the origins of New Year’s we must go thousands of years back to Mesopotamia. Roughly around 2000 BCE was their first New Year’s celebration, which also marked the beginning of a harvest. However, this holiday acknowledged as “Akitu” took place during the Vernal or spring equinox, where there are 12 hours of daytime and 12 hours of nighttime. While Mesopotamia is credited with the earliest celebration of New Year’s, ancient Rome is believed to have played an even more important role. This is because a change in the calendar was made. The original Roman calendar only contained 10 months with March 1st considered New Year’s Day. However, this calendar was based on the lunar cycle and had become misaligned with the seasons. Therefore, a more accurate system that aligned with the solar year had to be created. Julius Caesar would go on two more months, January and February to have a 12-month calendar known as the Julian calendar. The length of the months was also adjusted during this time to better reflect the Earth’s orbit around the sun, ensuring a more consistent and predictable year. January held a lot of importance as well because it was known to honor a Roman God known as Janus, who represented the past and the future. As a result, January 1st was determined to be New Year’s Day. Nonetheless, even more reforms would be made to the calendar to form what is known as the Gregorian Calendar. This was created by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. It was based off of the 46 B.C Julian Calendar, only with minor changes made with days. This is when December 31st was officially coined as “New Year’s Eve”. To this day, the Gregorian Calendar is what is globally followed and accepted, with exceptions of Afghanistan, Iran, Ethiopia, and Nepal. The Gregorian Calendar holds significant importance as it is what determines the dates of holidays, days of the week, and months. Now that the origins of New ear’s have been established and could be better understood, it is significant to discuss some popular traditions that people did to celebrate during ancient times. It is crucial to keep in mind that New Year’s was originally often celebrated in a way that incorporated religion, and mythology yet may have similarities to current traditions. For instance, in Mesopotamia festivals and parades were very common, however these celebrations were very focused on the gods and honoring them. This symbolized the gods rising above all to enter the new year. Another interesting ritual is that the current king at the time would have to kneel to a statue of the god Marduk and confirm that he was leading the city and its civilians correctly. While this appears to be humbling for the king, it represents a sense of loyalty to his people and a reminder of his purpose as not only a ruler, but a leader. In terms of denoting religious significance to their celebrations, Rome proved to be very similar. As previously mentioned, January was significant because it served as representation of Janus the god of the future and transition. Therefore, it was common for Romans to make offerings to Janus. Additionally, they prided themselves on generosity and contributing to their society. As a result, people often gave treats and gifts to the people around them and would even work for part of the day. It is clear both Mesopotamia and Rome considered New Year’s Day to be special particularly in terms of spirituality, but they also had their own individualistic perspectives about it. People have always believed the new year to be a chance to restart or be a new beginning for themselves. This belief encourages many people to seek improvement and look forward to their future with hope. In modern times it is referred to as New Year’s resolutions, but the same ideology has been around for ages. New Year’s has a rich history in a variety of contexts that connect to how we celebrate today. From creations of new calendars to rituals, New Year’s has been through a constantly evolving process. It is no doubt that ancient times differ from our modern society, but it is interesting to learn about what has led to our current perspectives and traditions to ring in the new year. So as we celebrate the beginning of 2025, remember that the past continues to shape our future. Sources: Happy New Year 2025: Happy New Year 2025: Why the world celebrates New Year’s day on January 1st and what are some of its traditions? - The Economic Times The New Year’s Holiday, Explained: From Mesopotamia to Temecula, How We Celebrate the New Year The History of New Year’s Eve | How NYE Celebrations Started 5 Ancient New Year’s Celebrations | HISTORY BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections North Honor Society Inductees Sworn In By Garrick Neuner and Craig Papajohn-Shaw Volume 1 Issue 5 February 12, 2021 Original photos by Eva Grace Martinez (top left), Garrick Neuner (top right and bottom right), and Lori Belbol (all others) This year sophomores, juniors, and seniors were inducted into subject area honor societies through a virtual induction ceremony on Wednesday, February 10th. The proceedings mark nearly a year since the closure of the school district due to COVID-19, bringing one of the largest events to the school since 2020. The event kicked off with an introduction by Assistant Principal Mrs. Jennifer Buonaspina and the National Anthem performed by singer Garrick Neuner. Inductees then proceeded to read their oaths from the comfort and safety of their homes, allowing for the massive event to take place, just a week after the National Honor Society Induction was also held virtually. Held on February 3rd, the NHS induction was led by advisors Ms. Lori Belbol and Ms. Patricia Hirsch, as well as the elected officers, including President Pratiksha Kaur. About 50 of North’s juniors and seniors were sworn into the prestigious organization. Applicants were required to maintain an average of 90 or above throughout their high school career while balancing time-intensive extracurriculars. Selected individuals comprised of students who exemplified the qualities of service, character, and leadership both inside and outside the classroom. Congratulations to all those selected for membership in North’s honor societies! Click to view the Honor Society Program designed by Alena Moreira Pictured: Inductee Eva Grace Martinez (top left) National Honor Society Officer Pratiksha Kaur (bottom left) Principal Rachel Green and National Honor Society Officers (top middle) Gallery of virtual inductees (middle) Vocalist Garrick Neuner performing the Star Spangled Banner (middle bottom) Quizmaster and Rho Kappa Officer Peter Mura (top right) Distanced officers awaiting their turn to present in the cafetorium (bottom right) BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Chalk Pastel Peppers Back to Sections Chalk Pastel Peppers- Maida Redzepovic Maida Redzepovic November 6, 2023 Chalk Pastel Volume 4 Issue 1

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Christmas Traditions from Around the World By Sahar Ali Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by A&E Networks Celebrated every year on December 25th, Christmas is a religious holiday observed all around the world by Christians and non-Christians. Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Throughout the world, countries have different and interesting ways of celebrating this holiday full of joy. Let’s go around the world and learn about the different Christmas traditions that people around the world have! EUROPE Iceland – Icelandic families celebrate 13 days of Christmas, similar to the 12 days of Christmas in the United States. During these days, young children are visited by 13 Yule Lads each night leading up to Christmas day. Children will place their shoes by a window and proceed to bed. If the child has been good, they will be given candy in the morning. However, if a child has been bad, they will receive shoes full of rotten potatoes. Sounds worse than being greeted with coal in your stocking! Finland – On Christmas morning, Finnish families eat a porridge made with rice and milk topped with either cinnamon or butter. Inside the porridge, a hidden almond is placed. The first person to uncover the almond “wins”. Some families, however, end up adding extra almonds into the porridge to prevent children from getting upset. And at the end of the day, Finnish families will warm up in a sauna. LATIN AMERICA Mexico – Members of the church from all around Mexico present a Shepard’s Play, or Pastorellas , which retells the Christmas story. The country’s Christmas season starts in early December with a march that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s journey, known as Posadas . Mexicans also use beautiful, vibrant red poinsettias in holiday arrangements for decorations throughout the country. El Salvador – On December 24th and 25th, Salvadorians toast Christmas with fireworks. Young children are given volcancitos (translated to little volcanoes) and estrellitas (translated to little stars), which are small firecrackers. On the other hand, older children and young adults prefer larger firecrackers and Roman candles. ASIA Philippines – In the city of San Fernando, the Giant Lantern Festival, known as Ligligan Parul , is held every year. This festival includes dazzling parols (lanterns) that represent the Star of Bethlehem. In each parol , there are thousands of spinning lights that brighten the night sky. San Fernando has become the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” because of Ligligan Parul . Japan – Since 1% of Japan’s population is Christian, Christmas is not a national holiday in the country. However, the Japanese have found a rather interesting way to take part in this global celebration. On Christmas, Japanese families go to KFC instead of having a dinner around the table with their families. This tradition started in 1974. The fast-food chain has remained popular, and now many families order months in advance. On the other hand, some people choose to wait and stand on lines that are two hours long in order to get their meal. NORTH AMERICA United States – American families decorate their homes with colorful lights or large snowmen and/or Santa Clause figures. On Christmas Eve, parents along with their children place cookies and milk as a snack for Santa Clause when he comes to deliver presents during the night. Many people also watch Christmas movies throughout the month of December, decorate gingerbread houses, and exchange gifts. Canada – Just like American families, Canadians also decorate their houses with vibrant lights. Additionally, stockings are hung by the fireplace. In northern Canada, Sinck Tuck is a celebration observed by the native Inuits. This celebration includes dancing, feasting, and the exchange of presents. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Pop Art Back to Sections Merab Fatima - Pop Art By Merab Fatima January 14, 2022 Photography Volume 2 Issue 3

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Zainab- Sophia Mura Sophia Mura February 24, 2023 Volume 3 Issue 3

Back to Artwork Who Am I Back to Sections Contour Line Collage Portrait By Kimberly Shrestha November 19, 2021 Watercolor Volume 2 Issue 2

Back to Artwork Prism Back to Sections Nayab Raja - Prism By Nayab Raja November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Editorial: To Fear or Not  By Shinedip Kundlas Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image provided by iStock The human psyche is made up of complex structures of thoughts, actions, and emotions which make up the human conscious and unconscious. As the human psyche influences a thought, an action, and certain behavior, the emotion of fear also similarly influences the human psyche. Humans and nonhumans alike experience fear, one of our strongest and most primal emotions. Whether it be arachnophobia or pogonophobia, fear causes everyone to act a certain way when dealing with situations. Fear affects the human psyche for it influences abnormal behavior and responses from an individual. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on humans not only financially but mentally as well. Amid the outbreak, people started to panic buy and loaded up on supplies. As Americans faced the possibility of a lengthy stay at home, toilet paper demand increased dramatically and so did their fear of a supply shortage. In the face of fear, individuals turn to different behavioral patterns than normal such as panic buying. This fear influences abnormal behavior such as the unnecessary buying and overloading of toilet paper. This abnormal behavior caused by fear can also be seen in other situations such as natural disasters or storms. When the news channel broadcasts that there is going to be a superstorm or hurricane hitting a person’s town, that person and along with many will run to the nearest grocery store to load on water, bread, canned goods, etc. News channels will often show empty grocery store shelves and aisles with a single person with 3 carts full of supplies. These situations demonstrate how fear, can drive a person to do abnormal things such as load up on abnormal numbers of food and supplies. The process of fear starts with a frightening stimulus and ends with the body preparing for its own protection. There's nothing more frightening than hearing a door slam in an empty apartment, sensing a knife pressing against your neck, or for some, seeing a spider. For some people, a fear of a spider may trigger abnormal responses. For instance, a person who has arachnophobia jumps in fear as they see a spider skittering across their bedroom floor. Now, that same fear response will trigger every time the person comes into their room, fearful of that spider. The person will make sure they don’t enter that room until they are sure the spider is gone or every time, they look at their bedroom floor, they will confuse other things for the spider. Some individuals who suffer from extreme arachnophobia are so afraid of spiders that they cannot even go into their basements or garages for fear of finding one there. In order to avoid dealing with spiders, they will actually leave the house when they encounter one. This may seem abnormal to some, however, the person who suffers from this fear, has this fear not only affecting their behavior but other aspects of their psych emotions as well. Fear is an aspect of life where the human psyche can either be positively or negatively affected. The constant fear causes abnormal thoughts and behavior which can lead to negative impacts on the human mind. The psyche of an individual is very sensitive and complex and the simplest thing as fear, can affect it to major extents. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections The Fifth Ocean By Cody Sung Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image Provided by Gary Bembridge via Wikipedia There have always been four named oceans on Earth – the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic – until now. Recently there have been five oceans recognized and confirmed, with the Southern Ocean added to the list. At the bottom of the globe, it surrounds Antarctica, and its currents are unique enough for National Geographic to consider it a separate ocean. The Southern Ocean is at the bottom of the Earth, below the 60-degree southern latitude line. Scientists have considered it to be a separate ocean for decades, with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names considering its categorization as a separate ocean since 1999. This is due to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current containing the cold waters around Antarctica around the 60-degree line, forming an ecologically distinct area, with thousands of species living there and nowhere else. Despite the scientific evidence to prove the Southern Ocean was distinct from the others, attempts to make it official in organizations such as the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) were marred in controversy. In 1937, the IHO did recognize the Southern Ocean as distinct, however, they retracted this in 1953, stating that “the majority of opinions received since… 1937 are to the effect that there exists no real justification” for labeling the Southern Ocean. The draft fourth edition does include the Southern Ocean as a separate entity; however, it has never been published due to various naming disputes. Since National Geographic generally follows the IHO with marine names, it has not recognized the Southern Ocean either. However, they have broken from the IHO in labeling the Southern Ocean as an ocean. The Southern Ocean is unique and recognized by scientists, however, it has had a long history of not being recognized on the world map. That has now changed for the benefit of the scientific world. Sources: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/theres-a-new-ocean-now-can-you-name-all-five-southern-ocean https://iho.int/uploads/user/pubs/standards/s-23/S-23_Ed3_1953_EN.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20140201213815/http://eastsea.khoa.go.kr/eng/open_content/iho/magazine.asp BACK TO TOP