Starting off sweet

 Rosh Hashana is the first of the 10 Days of Repentance, which culminate with Yom Kippur.  During those days, it is customary to take on extra chumros  [stringencies]. People take on practices that are beyond the strict letter of the law even if they do not keep up such practices during the rest of the year.   It is not a matter of pretense.    See more about it at http://www.examiner.com/jewish-bridal-in-new-york/a-sweet-start-to-the-new-year
Visit my site www.kallahmagazine.com -- not just for kallahs. You can also see posts at http://www.examiner.com/x-18522-NY-Jewish-Bridal-Examiner