New Year’s
Celebrations
It’s almost New Year’s Eve,
and many of us are getting ready to celebrate with our friends and/or family. There
is no real “tradition” in Canada other than wishing each other all the best at
the stroke of midnight. Maybe kissing those we love, or toasting good fortune
with a glass of champagne. But that is simply not the case in other countries. So
I thought it would be fun to see how other parts of the world celebrate the New
Year’s Eve, and what traditions they may have.
Japan – They
literally ring in the New Year by ringing their bells 108 times. In Buddhist beliefs
this is the same number as are human sins, and it will cleanse them of the
previous year’s sins.
Denmark –
These people probably save all their unwanted dishes throughout the year so
they can smash them on their friends/family and neighbour’s doorstep. The more
broken dishes you find at your door, the better your luck for the coming year.
Spain – In the
12 chimes of midnight of New Year’s Eve, Spanish people try to eat 12 grapes in
unison with the bells. This will secure them a most happy year to come.
Brazil –
Thousands of people throw white flowers into the ocean every year at New Year’s
Eve. Hoping the Goddess of the sea will grant their wishes for the coming year.
Puerto Rico –
It is believed that by throwing pails of water out their windows at the stroke
of midnight, will ward off evil spirits.
Columbia –
On December 31, you will see many Colombians carry around an empty suitcase. They
believe by doing this, they will have a travel – filled year ahead
Peru – In one
particular village, the people get together on December 31 for an old fashioned
fist fight. They believe that by settling their differences they can start the
New Year with a clean slate.
Chile – This
is a relatively new tradition, where people, after a mass, enter in the New
Year with their lost loved ones in the graveyard.
Ireland – It
is tradition to bang bread against the wall to drive away evil spirits. Or if you are a simple lady looking for love,
some women will sleep with mistletoe under their pillows, in hopes it will
bring them a husband
Netherlands –
On New Year’s Eve, large bonfires of Christmas trees are lit, and fireworks are
let off in order to purge the old and welcome the new.
Turkey – At the
stroke of Midnight on New Year’s Eve, it is tradition to sprinkle salt on your
outside doorstep. It is believed it will bring you peace and prosperity.
Romania – On
New Year’s Eve the Romanian farmers try to communicate with their cows or
sheep. If they are successful, it is believed they will have good luck in the
New Year. (how would you know if it worked?)
Greece – An onion
is hung on the front door on New Year’s Eve to signify rebirth and regrowth.
Armenia –
Pomegranates are thrown on the ground, the more pieces and seeds spread out on
the ground, the more successful the New Year will be.
Estonia – It
is considered good luck if a person eats, 7, 9 or 12 times on New Year's Eve (Those are
considered lucky numbers). If they do, they will have the prosperity and
strength of 7, 9 or 12 people
Italy – Red
is the colour of love and fertility, so in Italy, both men and women wear red underwear
on New Year’s Eve.
So maybe you found
yourself a new tradition you would like to start here in Montreal, or perhaps
you simply enjoyed reading about them. Either way, I hope you all have a great
New Year’s Eve, and that 2018 will find you healthy, wealthy, happy and
wise!!!!
