When I was very young, I found the neighbor's custom of having black beans and pirogies on New Year's Eve fascinating.

Many cultures regard the new year as an auspicious time for new beginnings. The Roman god Janus had two faces, one looking forward and the other looking back. We want to usher in good luck, whether it is by eating beans, cleaning the hearth as ancient Brtions did, or simply raising our glasses for a toast, we all like the idea of a fresh start.

Thais have a relatively new tradition of visiting nine temples to usher in the new year.

Walailak Songsiri, a local anthropologist surmised in the local paper that Thais, while enjoying many modern conveniences, are seeking more spirituality and that visiting nine temples in a day, gives the illusion of getting the job done, but wouldn't it better to slow down and really be with one's own thoughts at one temple?

Americans are not alone in wanting it all, now.

Each temple serves a unique purpose, Wat Pho is noted for giving happiness and serenity, while Wat Arun represents prosperity, another one is for victory, and on it goes. The temples are really busy, too busy for enjoyment, according to the temple keepers.

Here, the newspaper had a full page on Horoscopes for 2008. I didn't see a word about dieting or gyms, but lots of information on what the nightclubs were offering.

Not a word on New Year's resolutions. How refreshing. See you in the New Year!

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