We are on our last few days of 2017 and on our last tradition. Today we
are taking a look at New Year’s traditions from around the world. Some of them
you’ll be familiar with and maybe even do, and some will be new to you and you
might want to give them a try.
A popular tradition is watching the ball drop at Times Square at
midnight. Whether you're there or just watching on TV, it’s something that you
always associate with New Year’s Eve.
Originating in Scotland, Auld
Lang Syne is usually heard or sung as the old year goes out and the New
Year comes in.
Kissing at midnight is another fun tradition which started in Europe to
“ensure” that you won’t spend the year ahead lonely.
In Mexico and Brazil, it is said that colourful underwear will help you
have the type of year you want. For example yellow means prosperity and success
and red means lots of love ahead for you.
Many Spanish speaking countries will eat 12 grapes at midnight so that
they have 12 months of good luck.
Circles in the Philippines mean good luck so you will see many people
from the Philippines wearing something polka dotted on New Year’s.
In Denmark, people save unused dishes and throw them against doors of family
and friends on New Year’s Eve. They also jump from chairs at midnight as a way
to “jump” into the New Year.
Japanese Buddhists will ring bells 108 times at the temples for good luck and
cleanliness in the New Year.
Swiss people will drop ice cream on their floors to celebrate the New Year.
Ah! What a waste of ice cream.
In Romania, they toss coins into rivers to ensure that they have a happy
New Year.
Belgium farmers take their livestock seriously, they wish all of the
cows a Happy New Year when the clock strikes 12. In Romania, the farmers even
talk to their cows for long periods of time as the New Year begins.
This one’s interesting; some people
in Siberia will go into freezing cold lakes carrying tree trunks. Don’t know
why exactly, but it’s like Polar Swims I guess but with tree trunks.
In France, the New Year is ushered in with a big stack of crepes.
Happy New Year!
