New Year Traditions around the World

We have reached the end of another eventful year! 2014 has seen a great many things, some good and some not so much. Nevertheless, all of us have learnt something or the other this year and we’ll forget our worries and carry our hopes into the New Year. However, today is not for worrying or deep thinking; it’s the day to let your hair down, forget your worries and dance the night away!

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And that’s exactly what most of the people on the planet will be doing, albeit in their own different ways. If you’re wondering how people in different countries celebrate New Year’s Eve, you’re in the right place – here is a look at some unique New Year traditions around the world.

1. Australia

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Australia is among the first countries to usher in the New Year. Australians make the most of this fact with large scale fireworks, with the main ones happening around the Sydney Harbor Bridge. But a more interesting tradition is where people go around banging pots and pans on New Years Eve, in an attempt to chase away evil spirits. This is usually accompanied by knocking on doors to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

2. Japan

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New Year parties are common everywhere, but in Japan, they take on a different meaning. These parties are called Bonenkai, literally translated as ‘Forget the Year Party’. The party is supposed to be an occasion where everyone lets their hair down and forgets about the past year. Chiefly a drinking party, it is usually held among friends or colleagues, rather than family. 

3. Russia

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While Christmas trees are pretty popular the world over, Russia does it with a twist – they have New Year trees! While Christmas trees are usually put up before Christmas and left till New Years, in Russia, these trees are kept for the holiday period that lasts till nearly mid January. Huge trees are put up in public places and beautifully decorated. New Year trees are also a popular tradition in Turkey.

4. Spain

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Most of us countdown to the strike of twelve by literally counting, but that’s now how they do it in Spain! The Spanish tradition of ‘The Twelve Grapes of Luck’ requires eating 12 grapes, one at each stroke of the clock at midnight. This is said to bring prosperity in the coming year. At parties, guests are usually served a stick or bowl of exactly 12 grapes along with their food or drink.

         

5. Scotland

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The Scottish celebration of the New Year is called Hogamanay, which means ‘The Last Day of the Year’. This is a grand celebration with fireworks and unique traditions like the first foot or fire ball swinging. In the former, people visit their friends and neighbors bearing gifts, when they first ‘set foot’ in their homes in the New Year. In the latter, balls of wire are filled with flammable materials like rags and set on fire. The balls are then swung round and round. Balls that are still flaming are then tossed into the harbor.

6. Venice

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Venice is popular for being a romantic city, and many a romantic song has been sung on Venetian canals. This spirit is carried into on New Year’s Eve, when thousands of people gather at St. Marks Square to kiss as the clock strikes twelve. This is supposed to cement relationships and bring lots of love in the New Year!

7. South Africa

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A New Year is a time for ‘out with the old, in with the new’. South Africans take this literally by throwing out old furniture before the New Year starts! Needless to say, this has resulted in quite a few injuries and police have started keeping a check on furniture throwing.

8. New York

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Last but not least, is probably the most iconic New Year’s Eve celebration of all – the Ball Drop at Times Square in New York City. The ball is on the roof of Times Square and begins a descent of 43 meters at 11:59 at stopping at midnight. The event is extremely popular with celebrities coming as guests and is televised globally.

Wherever you are, and whatever tradition you follow, uIndia wishes you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!! Have a great 2015!!!