When we think about the New Year, a Christmas tree, champagne, chimes and Olivier salad appear before our eyes. But in different parts of the world there are amazing and sometimes very strange rituals to celebrate the coming year. They reflect the culture, beliefs and sense of humor of entire peoples. EAOMedia news agency talks about various world traditions.
Spain and Latin America: 12 grapes of good luck
One of the most famous and delicious traditions. At exactly midnight, with each stroke of the clock, Spaniards and residents of many Latin American countries (Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba) must eat one grape, making one wish for each month of the next year. The main thing is to have time to chew all the berries before the last blow. It is believed that if you succeed, the year will be prosperous and happy. This tradition, which appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, goes well with watching a live broadcast from the Puerta del Sol in Madrid.
Denmark: breaking dishes and jumping from a chair
Denmark celebrates the New Year very noisily and “destructively”. Firstly, the Danes collect all the old and broken dishes, save them all year, and then throw them out the doors of their friends and family. A mountain of shards at the doorstep on the morning of January 1 is a sign of popularity and a large number of loyal friends. Secondly, at the stroke of midnight, everyone, young and old, jumps off their chairs or sofas in unison, thus “jumping” into the New Year in order to leave all troubles in the past.
Colombia: Running with a Suitcase
Want a year full of travel? Colombians know how to do it. In the capital of the country, Bogota, and other cities, people take to the streets on New Year's Eve with suitcases and run around their house or neighborhood with them. The further and more energetic the run, the more exciting trips the coming year promises. Simple, fun and very motivating.
Japan: 108 Bells and Toshikoshi Noodles
New Year (O-shogatsu) in Japan is a quiet, family and deeply spiritual holiday. In Buddhist temples, on the night from December 31 to January 1, 108 bells ring. It is believed that each blow expels one of 108 human vices, purifying souls before the start of a new cycle. And for dinner, long buckwheat noodles “toshikoshi-soba” are always served. It should be eaten without snacking – this symbolizes longevity and a smooth transition from year to year.
South Africa: Throwing away old furniture
There is a tradition in Johannesburg that horrifies public utilities, but is very popular with local residents. People throw out old furniture, household appliances and other unnecessary things from the windows of their houses and apartments. In this way, they symbolically get rid of the burden of the past year. Authorities annually call for an end to this dangerous practice, but the tradition is still alive in some areas.
Scotland: Hogmanay Fire Festival and First Leg
Instead of Estonia, we will go to the harsh north of Great Britain. Scottish Hogmanay (6+) is one of the most grandiose New Year's festivals in the world with torchlight processions, fireworks and Celtic music. But there is also an intimate family custom – “first-footing” or “first leg”. It is believed that the first person to cross the threshold of a house after midnight brings good luck for the whole year. The ideal “first guest” is a dark-haired man who comes with symbolic gifts: coal (for warmth), coin (for wealth) and whiskey (for fun).
Finland: fortune telling on tin and going to the sauna
Finns celebrate the New Year in a calm, almost magical atmosphere. One of the most popular rituals is fortune telling on tin (tinovalanta). The molten metal is poured into a container with cold water, and the resulting bizarre figure is “read”, trying to discern symbols of the future in it. And in order to enter the New Year clean not only spiritually, but also physically, many go to a traditional sauna before midnight.
Chile: New Year's cemeteries
In the Chilean city of Talca there is a very touching and unique tradition. Local residents celebrate the New Year at the cemetery. They come to the graves of their loved ones to spend these important moments of transition from year to year with them. Altars are installed on the territory of the cemetery, music is played, and an atmosphere of blessed memory and family unity reigns, even if someone is no longer around.
Italy: red underwear and throwing away the old ones
In Italy, it is believed that wearing red lingerie on New Year's Eve will bring good luck in love in the coming year. But in Naples there is another, more radical tradition – getting rid of the old. Italians throw unnecessary things, junk and even small pieces of furniture out of windows, making room for something new and bright. True, today this is more often replaced by a symbolic gesture.
Bulgaria: appease the “survakars”
Instead of burning notes, we go to Bulgaria. Here, the main characters of the morning of January 1 are children with decorated dogwood branches, which are called “survaknitsy”. The guys tap them on the backs of relatives and neighbors, saying special rhymed wishes for health, wealth and fertility. For this ritual, the “survakars” are generously presented with coins, sweets and dried fruits. This ritual is believed to awaken vitality and ensure well-being throughout the year.
