Across the Time Zones, the World Welcomes 1995

Despite outward differences, common threads connected New Year’s celebrations around the world: jubilation, libation, thronging crowds, fireworks and attempts to replace the old with the new.

Millions visited churches, temples or shrines. Others partied to everything from songs to explosives. Greeks hit the gaming tables. Parisians feasted on home-delivered gourmet meals. In one Pakistani state, however, authorities took the opposite approach and banned fun.

Crowds in New York’s Times Square watched a 6-foot aluminum ball studded with 180 white lights glide down a flagpole to usher in the new year. Cannons loaded with 3,000 pounds of confetti went off at midnight, along with a light show and fireworks in Central Park.

In Belfast, Northern Ireland, several hundred Protestants and Catholics embraced when their torchlight peace parades met on a road once noted for its pitched sectarian battles.

And Britons got in one last celebration before higher beer, wine and spirits taxes take effect today.

In Pakistan’s Punjab state, Chief Minister Mansoor Wattoo banned all New Year’s Eve parties after Muslim fundamentalists threatened disruptions. Large hotels and clubs canceled celebration plans.

Police “will raid anyplace where there is a party going on, and anyone who is having a fun time will be arrested, no matter how rich or influential he is,” Wattoo was quoted as telling an Urdu-language newspaper.

The Philippines and Vietnam tried to crack down on firecracker use, citing the dangers and, in Vietnam, the waste.

Police in Vietnam confiscated stocks of firecrackers, but the fireworks sounded throughout Hanoi after night fell and before a midnight ban took effect.

In the Philippines, at least 11 people were killed in fireworks-related accidents, and 247 were treated for gunshot wounds.

In Japan, many gathered at shrines to the Shinto religion and others at Buddhist temples, tossing coins, praying for a fruitful year, ringing bells, lighting incense and drinking warm amazake, a sweet rice wine.

Millions were expected to crowd Japan’s temples and shrines today.