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This extra day is not exclusive to Rosh Hashanah. As a matter of fact, the Jewish courts of old added an extra day to all of the biblical holidays (with the exception of Yom Kippur). However the added day of Rosh Hashanah is unique for two reasons: 1) It is observed in Israel as well (whereas the other added days only apply to Jews living in the Diaspora). 2) The 48 hours of Rosh Hashanah are not seen as two days, but rather as "one long day".
Due to this second reason it is doubtful whether one should make the Shehecheyanu blessing on the second night/day of Rosh Hashanah.1
It is therefore preferable to have a new fruit, one we haven't eaten yet this season, on the table when lighting the candles and reciting the Kiddush. Since the new fruit is sufficient reason to make a Shehecheyanu we thus avoid any doubt regarding the appropriateness of this blessing. After Kiddush (before washing the hands for bread) we recite the blessing for fruit and eat some of the fruit.2
Alternatively one can wear a new garment, which is also sufficient reason to make a Shehecheyanu, and this is actually what the Shofar blower does on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.
If new fruit are not availabe and one does not have a new garment, the Shehecheyanu blessing is still recited.3
Footnotes
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