Re: OT: Sylvester & Bleigiessen

What distinguishes the celebration of S[iy]lvester from any other
celebration of New Year's Eve?  I mean, I know that customs differ,
but what, apart from nomenclature, is the difference between
"celebrating sylvesters" and just celebrating NYE?

A quick web search indicates that Bleigießen is still around.  I'm
surprised that fears of lead poisoning haven't done away with it
completely...

--
Mark J. Reed <markjreed@...>