What was the function of the church during the
Middle Ages?

crop rotation kepy different plants in the soil instead of once constintly. when switching out plants you have different nutrients being absorbed at different speeds and different roots growing differently therfore the spoil and water flow have to adapt and carry fresh nutrients to carry the constant changes that were going on in the soil.

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.