Every country have their unique and diverse traditions to celebrate New Year, below are 10 countries and their way of welcoming new year. This world is such a beautiful place to live in!!
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Japan:
– New Year’s Greetings: In Japan, people greet each other with “Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu,” meaning “Happy New Year.”
– Hatsumode: Many visit Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples for the first visit of the year, known as hatsumode, to pray for good fortune and health.
– Osechi Ryori: Traditional New Year’s foods, called osechi ryori, are prepared and consumed. These special dishes have symbolic meanings related to prosperity, happiness, and longevity.
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Brazil:
– Offerings to Iemanjá: The offerings to Iemanjá, the ocean goddess, often include flowers, candles, and small boats with gifts. These are set afloat on the water as a gesture of gratitude and hope for the new year.
– Fireworks and Parties: Fireworks displays are common, and people gather for festive parties on the beach. It’s a time for music, dance, and celebration.
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Scotland:
– Hogmanay Festivals: In addition to first footing, Scotland hosts various Hogmanay festivals featuring music, dancing, and fireworks. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebration is particularly famous, attracting visitors from around the world.
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Spain:
– La Nochevieja: New Year’s Eve, known as La Nochevieja, is a time for family gatherings and celebrations. Eating the twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight is a widely followed tradition.
– Street Celebrations: Many cities have lively street celebrations, with music, dancing, and fireworks. In Madrid, the Puerta del Sol is a popular gathering place.
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Denmark:
– Midnight Leaps: The tradition of jumping off chairs at midnight, known as “leap into the new year” or “taking a big leap,” symbolizes leaving behind the old year and entering the new one with a fresh start.
– New Year’s Speech: The Queen of Denmark delivers a televised New Year’s speech, reflecting on the past year and offering wishes for the coming one.
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Philippines:
– Media Noche: Media Noche, the midnight meal, is a festive feast that includes a variety of round fruits and other traditional dishes. The round shapes symbolize coins, representing prosperity.
– Fireworks and Noise-Making: Filipinos believe that making noise, through fireworks and loud celebrations, drives away evil spirits and brings good luck for the coming year.
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South Africa:
– Throwing Old Furniture: The tradition of throwing old furniture out of windows or doors symbolizes letting go of the past, making room for new experiences, and welcoming the new year with a fresh start.
– Street Parties: Many cities and communities organize street parties, music events, and gatherings to celebrate the New Year with a sense of community and joy.
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Italy:
– La Festa di San Silvestro: New Year’s Eve, known as La Festa di San Silvestro, is celebrated with festive dinners, parties, and fireworks displays across Italy.
– Red Underwear: It is a common tradition for Italians to wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve, believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
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Russia:
– New Year’s Ded Moroz and Snegurochka: Ded Moroz (Father Frost) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) are traditional characters who bring gifts to children on New Year’s Eve. Festive events often include these characters and a decorated New Year’s tree.
– Olivier Salad: The Russian New Year’s table often features Olivier Salad, a festive dish made with potatoes, vegetables, and mayonnaise.
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Greece:
– St. Basil’s Cake: On New Year’s Day, Greeks cut a Vasilopita, a special cake named after St. Basil, to bless the house for the coming year. A coin is hidden inside, and the person finding it is believed to have good luck.
– First Footer Tradition: Similar to the Scottish tradition, the first person to enter a home after midnight is considered significant. In some regions, this person is chosen strategically for good luck.
