Unique New Year Traditions Around the World – Every country in the world has its own unique way of celebrating the new year. From calling family around midnight, singing “Auld Lang Syne,” to enjoying peas that are believed to bring good luck, there are many interesting traditions.
Unique New Year Traditions Around the World
surlerythme – In Indonesia, for example, the new year is celebrated by gathering with friends and family. People usually spend New Year’s Eve by grilling corn, meat, or other dishes. Once the clock strikes 00.00, fireworks are launched, marking the arrival of the new year
Special Traditions to Welcome the New Year in Various Countries
Here are some unique traditions from various parts of the world to welcome the new year:
1. Wearing White (Brazil)
In Brazil, the new year is a good time to reflect on the past and make resolutions for the coming year. The tradition of wearing white symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and the exorcism of evil spirits. In addition, people usually jump over seven waves which are considered lucky numbers, and throw flowers into the sea as an offering to Lemanjá, the goddess of the sea.
Read Also : Stylish Local Bags for Professionals
2. Eating 12 Grapes (Spain)
In Spain, a unique custom is to eat 12 grapes right on New Year’s Eve. Each grape represents a wish for good luck for one month in the coming year. In cities like Madrid and Barcelona, people gather in the main square to enjoy this tradition together.
3. Carrying an Empty Suitcase (Colombia)
Colombians have an interesting ritual of carrying an empty suitcase around the block of houses, as a symbol of hope for an adventurous journey in the new year.
4. Throwing Plates and Glasses at the Door (Denmark)
Danish people welcome the new year by throwing old plates and glasses out the door to ward off evil spirits. At midnight, they also jump together on chairs as a symbol of traveling into January and getting good luck.
5. Bonfire Ceremony (Scotland)
In Scotland, there is a unique tradition of a parade with giant fireballs. People swing the fireballs, which symbolize the sun, in an effort to purify the new year.
Read Also : Sundanese Cultural Diversity and Examples
6. Displaying Round Shapes in the Home (Philippines)
On New Year’s Eve, the Philippines is filled with round shapes, symbolizing coins and prosperity in the coming year. Many families display stacks of round fruits, usually as many as 12, on their dining tables, and many wear polka-dotted clothing as a symbol of good luck.
7. Wearing Red (Central America)
In Central and South American countries, such as Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela, people often wear red, which is believed to bring love in the new year, and yellow, which symbolizes prosperity.
8. Hanging Onions (Greece)
In Greece, onions are hung on the front door of homes on New Year’s Eve as a symbol of rebirth. Parents will wake their children up by patting them on the head with an onion, which is thought to bring good luck.
9. Dipping Fruit in Honey (Israel)
Israelis celebrate the new year by dipping fruit in honey, a symbol of hope for a sweet life and blessings in the coming year. During the celebration, the shofar, made from a ram’s horn, is played as a symbol of humility before God.
From the various traditions that exist, we can see that the New Year celebration is not just a change of numbers, but also a special moment full of hope and confidence for the future.
It is important to maintain physical and mental health in this new year. If you are experiencing problems related to mental health, do not hesitate to consult a psychologist.