LIFESTYLE
How Countries Around The World Celebrate New Year – Part 1
Some might celebrate New Year as soon as the clock strikes 12 on December 31st, while others might ring it in on January 1st. No matter what, New Year is a global tradition. However, all new year traditions are unique despite the fireworks and ball drops. Some people eat grapes, smash china, and throw multiple feasts.
In Ecuador, for example, citizens go on a city-wide parade with scarecrows of famous politicians and cultural icons. At midnight, they burn the scarecrows to symbolize cleansing evil and welcoming a fresh new year.
In Brazil, people light candles and throw white flowers in the water as an offering to Iemanjá, the Queen of the Ocean. If you’re looking to have a unique celebration, here are creative traditions worldwide.
Hogmanay In Edinburgh
Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year tradition. It was first used widely following Mary, Queen of Scots’ return to Scotland from France in 1561. Though the initial use of the word is unknown, it is thought to come from the French word ‘hoginane,’ meaning ‘gala day.’
It is a three-day event in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, celebrated across the country. About 8000 citizens create a “river of fire” by holding torches.
This revelry goes through Parliament Square to Calton Hill. To finish off the procession, pipers and drums walk together. On New Year’s Eve, tourists can enjoy drinks and dances.
Eating Grapes In Spain
You can eat 12 grapes at each stroke of midnight and get your New Year’s health resolutions off to a good start. Many people even practice doing this as it’s complicated. However, if you’re successful, you’ll have a prosperous year. If you want to witness this event in Spain, you should head to Puerta del Sol in Madrid.
Grab 12 grapes in one hand and cava in the other and join the crowds. You can even stick around after to dance and party till the early hours of the morning.
Smashing Plates In Denmark
When in Denmark for New Year’s, smash plates against someone’s house for good luck. People go around the neighborhood with plates or glasses and smash them against their front doors.
Danes even collect broken dishes all year and save them for New Year’s Eve. The more broken plates or shards there are outside someone’s house, the better luck they’ll have.
Jumping Seven Waves in Brazil
Brazilian traditions dictate that people should chew seven pomegranate seeds at the stroke of midnight without swallowing them. It suffices to say that seven is a lucky number in the Brazilian tradition. You might also become rich on NYE, so keep your wallet handy.
Make seven wishes by jumping over seven waves in honor of Iemanjá, the water spirit. The ocean is central to life in Brazil, so don’t turn your back on the sea once you finish wishing. Turning your back on Iemanjá can anger her and cause catastrophe.
Ringing Bells 108 Times In Japan
In Japan, people celebrate Omisoka, or New Year’s Eve, by ringing bells in Buddhist temples. They ring the bell 108 times instead of a few dozen times. 108 symbolizes the number of human desires and the causes of suffering in the Buddhist tradition.
Ringing the bell 108 times is meant to cleanse negative emotions and mentalities. If you’re in Tokyo, don’t miss the ritual at the Zojoji Temple.
Go To The Junkanoo Festival In The Bahamas
Junkanoo is a Bahamian Boxing Day and New Year’s carnival. The true origin of the festival is unknown. But it can be traced back to West Africa. Junkanoo is a tribute to John Canoe, an African tribal chief, who demanded the right for slaves to celebrate festivals in the 18th century. This festival symbolizes a time of happiness during an otherwise dark time.
According to the Bahamian government, “Junkanoo, a Bahamian national festival, is a kaleidoscope of colours and sound. The rhythmic sounds of cowbells, goatskin drums, and whistles, accompanied by an array of brass instruments, create a sweet musical beat that will move you; while brilliantly coloured costumes capture your eye, and bring much visual delight.”
The festivities begin at 2 am on New Year Day and continue till 10 am. The parades are now an essential Bahamian tradition and a must-see if you’re visiting Nassau during the winter.
The TakeAway
The first new year celebration began around the same time as the invention of the calendar – 4000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Every culture and region has custom traditions. The New Year traditions symbolize good luck, fortune, happiness, and a better near future.
New Year brings about nostalgia and hope, whether you’re on a backpacking trip across Europe or just having a relaxed winter. It just shows that humans everywhere are alike – all of us chase hope, love, and happiness.
Happy Holidays! We hope that these traditions gave you an insight into how you can plan your own New Year! Explore your culture and create your traditions.
