From watching the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square to enjoying an intimate dinner at home with family and friends, people are preparing to ring in the new year with all sorts of traditions. But for many Black Christians in America, at least part of their New Year’s Eve celebration will take place in church as they celebrate Watch Night services.
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The tradition goes back to slavery, as the very first Watch Night was celebrated during the Civil War. On Dec. 31, 1862, long before social media posts could spread news around the world in seconds, enslaved and free Black people stayed up to wait for news of the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation, an executive order signed by then-President Abraham Lincoln on Sept. 22, 1862, which declared freedom for slaves in the Confederate states as of Jan. 1, 1863.
Also known as Freedom’s Eve, Black people marked the night in their homes and churches, praying, singing and dancing in community until they received the news that they were free.
Those Watch Night gatherings continue today in Black churches, as worshippers gather on the last night of the year to pray, reflect on the year, and hear words from their pastor to inspire them as they go into the new year. Full of hope, they follow up with a celebratory New Year’s Day meal, filled with foods that are traditionally associated with good luck, including black-eyed peas, collard greens and cornbread.
More than 150 years after the first, people are dropping posts on social media about how they are getting ready for Watch Night, like @Coriyanna, who is getting her stretch on in preparation for her church services.
Others, like @tyonnaroberson are getting their outfits together, preparing to wear their Sunday’s best on Wednesday night.
No matter what you wear, TikToker @jassalexus has a simple message for the musicians at Black churches on this special night of celebration – do not miss a note.
“Musicians, this is not the time to play games on NYE! Let’s drive this thing home!” she tagged a post.
Those in her comments were quick to cosign.
“Listen I’ve already told the drummer at my church, I want at least 167 bpm. Anything less, I’m turning off the organ and I’m out 🙌🏾🤣🤣🤣,” wrote someone.
Straight From 
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