The end of the old year and the beginning of the new strikes a chord for people everywhere. This is one celebration no one wants to miss, as it means a new page, a fresh start with great hope of new opportunities and a chance for good fortune to befall us. As the clock heads toward midnight, people all over the world celebrate with great enthusiasm. Here are some of the traditions and customs from across the globe:
England: The English people believe that the first guest for the year will bring them fortune. It is called “first footing” and involves a male visitor coming to the house just after midnight. This visitor brings gifts such as a loaf of bread, bottle of whiskey, some coal and salt. They enter in the front door and exit through the back. This brings good luck and prosperity to the household and all those in it.
China: Because the Chinese follow the Lunar Calendar, the New Year for them may occur any day between mid-January and mid-February. Grand parties are held with the beating of drums and cymbals, believed to drive away evil. They celebrate for as long as 10-15 days and gifts of envelopes containing money are exchanged as good luck.
Denmark: As the countdown to midnight is rung in Copenhagen’s City Hall, the people of Denmark switch on their tellys and climb to the highest perch available. When midnight strikes, they “jump” into the New Year, hopefully with no ankles twisted in the process.
Spain: In Spain, at the stroke of midnight, revelers eat twelve grapes, one at each strike of the clock. This symbolizes the twelve months of the year and is meant to bring good luck.
Puerto Rico: To bring in the New Year, people throw buckets of water out of their windows and clean their homes. They believe it cleanses the home of any bad spirits and improves the odds of good things happening throughout the new year.
Brazil: Brazilians take control of their own fate on New Year. They do this by the color of the underwear they are wearing. Yellow symbolizes prosperity, red is passion and love, blue means good health and tranquility, and white symbolizes peace.
United States: People in the United States believe that kissing at midnight is an auspicious gesture that purifies everything that is evil. They bring in the New Year with great parties and champagne toasts at midnight. In many locales, spectacular fireworks displays are on offer as the clock strikes twelve.
Japan: Many people in Japan visit temples to pray for those who have passed away. Temple bells are rung 108 times before midnight to ward off evil and show that all troubles have been eliminated. They also clean the entire house and resolve all issues before the New Year hits, in order to start fresh.
While these cultures and traditions vary on the surface, it is apparent that they are meant to bring happiness, prosperity, and good tidings in the New Year. No matter where you live or find yourself on New Year’s Eve, we hope you feel connected to all those celebrating around the world!
Our team at All Star Travel wishes you a happy and healthy 2017! Check us out in the New Year for the best deals on rental cars anywhere!