New Year is a universal holiday that unites people of all cultures in hope and celebration. However, the ways in which different regions of the world mark this event are as diverse as they are fascinating. Some curious facts about these celebrations stand out.
Curious facts and traditions of New Year’s celebrations around the world
We’ll explore some ways to celebrate the New Year that you may not know about.
Multiple celebration
Not everyone celebrates the New Year on January 1st. In China, the date varies according to the lunar calendar; Therefore, the celebration that is equivalent to the New Year celebration is known as the Spring Festival and usually occurs between January 21 and February 20.
The tradition of the 12 grapes
In Spain and some Latin American countries, midnight on December 31 is celebrated by eating 12 grapes, one for each strike of the clock. Each grape represents a wish for each month of the next year. A delicious way to start the year with good omens!
Colorful underwear in Latin America
In some parts of Latin America, choosing the color of underwear on New Year’s Eve has special meaning.
- Red for love,
- yellow for good luck and abundance,
- green for health,
- white symbolizes peace, hope and harmony,
- Pink represents femininity and helps self-esteem,
- black represents luxury and power,
- orange equals joy.
So, preparing the right underwear is an essential part of the celebration.
Purifying baths in Japan
In Japan, the tradition of “Misogi” consists of purifying oneself through bathing in temples or in the ocean before midnight on the New Year. This act symbolizes leaving behind the impurities of the previous year and welcoming the new year with a clean mind and body.
Hogmanay in Scotland
The Scots celebrate the New Year with Hogmanay, which lasts several days and combines ancient traditions with modern ones. One of the most peculiar is “First Footing”. For this reason, the first guest to cross the threshold of a house after midnight is considered a bringer of good luck. Ideally, this should be a tall, dark-skinned man.
Burning the Old Year in Ecuador
In Ecuador, the arrival of the New Year is celebrated by burning rag dolls stuffed with paper and fireworks. These dolls represent the old year and burning them symbolizes leaving negative things behind and welcoming the new.
The 108 bells in Japan
In Japan, the arrival of the New Year is celebrated with the ringing of 108 bells in Buddhist temples. This number has significance in Japanese culture as it represents worldly desires and the pursuit of enlightenment.
The ring dough in Greece
In Greece, New Year’s Eve involves the preparation of a special dough called “Vasilopita.” It is added among the curious facts because inside this cake they hide a ring, and they believe that whoever finds it will have good luck throughout the year.
Welcoming a new year reminds us of the richness and diversity of our global cultures. Therefore, the New Year is an opportunity to connect with our roots and celebrate the hope of better times. May each tradition inspire us to embrace change and welcome the new year with joy and positivity! Happy new year!
