You may have heard of different New Year's traditions from all around the world but how do they differ from each other and how crazy does it really get in some countries?
No day is awaited, observed and celebrated in so many different ways than New Year's Eve. On top of that, all around the world people have there own traditions and beliefes for this special evening.
Probably the most popular custom on New Year's are resolutions. At first, being a tradition only in Babylon, New Year's Eve resolutions are now spread world-wide. It is believed that this tradition is supposed to help realizing past mistakes in order to avoid them in the following year as well as helping to continue the good in people's lives. Resolutions are welcome opportunity for a "clean start" to a new year full of chances. Secondly, fireworks are established in New Year's celebrations world-wide as well. The noise and fire are thought to dispel evel spirits and bring good luck. Unfortunately, several accidents and even deaths occur every year.
South Africa
People throw old appliances out of the window. Careful!
Colombia
Empty suitcases are being carried around the
blocks with hopes for more possibilities to travel in the coming year.
Denmark
Old dishes are saved over the year and held to friends' and relatives' doors, then thrown on their doorsteps. The more broken dishes are found in front of a door, the more friends and luck one will receive the following year.
Spain
12 grapes are eaten in the last 12 seconds of the year. They are supposed to bring luck for the 12 months of the following year.
Finland
To predict the coming year, molten tin is thrown into cold water and then after hardening interpreted by its shape. A ring means an upcoming wedding, an animal means lots of food in the following year. Although it is adapted by many European countries, originally it is a finish tradition.
Panama
Dolls (muñecos) of well-known people, especially the ones who became popular that year, are burned in bonfires on the street. They represent the old year and by burning them people show that they are ready for the new.
New Year's Eve is also called Hogmanay ( great love day). To bring in good luck for the following year, the first person stepping through your door is preferably tall, dark-haired with bread, salt and whiskey. This is apparently is a throwback to the day when rude vikings were feared. Balls of fire are carried through the street as well.
Philipines
Round shapes are a symbol for luck. Round fruits are eaten and clothes with polka dots are worn.
Belarus
Two plates with pile of corn are placed in front of two unmarried women. A rooster is put in the middle of the two plates and whichever plate he picks first from, the woman next to it will get married the following year.
Estonia
Whoever eats more than seven full meals on New Year's Eve will have enough food in the upcoming year. Some younger inhabitants altered this to seven shots of alcohol.
Central and South America
By wearing underwear of a certain color, you wish for special things in the following year.
BrazilJump 7 times in the sea for luck for every day of the week of the following year.
New Zealand
Cans and pots are slammed as loud and hard as possible to dispel evel spirits.
Russia
One wish is written on a piece of paper, burnt and thrown into a glass of champagne. This has to be drunk before midnight.
There are, of course, many more traditions which are too long for this post.
Simply, all this customs and tradition show the love and hope for the upcoming year.
Further reading for more traditions:
http://www.123newyear.com/newyear-traditions/
http://www.fathertimes.net/traditions.htm
http://www.cracked.com/quick-fixes/4-insane-new-years-celebrations-from-around-world/
Pictures
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2013/01/new-years-celebrations-around-the-world/100431/
http://www.frommers.com/slideshows/817351-new-year-s-eve-celebrations-around-the-world#slide840213
and a video:
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