In 1940, Mussolini ended Italy’s neutrality by declaring war on

c) legal battles last five weeks after the election due to the narrow victory in several states.

it's a secular holiday. it is and was a custom developed to recognize the ending of a time and a wish for a good future. the kind of kiss you exchange, if you are single, is intended to predict what kind of year you will have in the coming year.

it is saying good bye to the last year with all its ups and downs, and hello to the new year, with all its hopes and dreams.