As it is the beginning of a New year, I know I like to do the best I can to welcome it in hopes to have a good year.
Fun Fact: Kiribati is the first location in the world to welcome in the new year
So here are some traditions I have rounded up for you. I know this is a bit late for some But hey. who knows. Maybe someone will read this.
- Eating 12 grapes seems to be a popular tradition. Some make a wish with each grape, some eat one in remembrance of each month.
- In Mexico families decorate their homes in the color that represents what they wish to have happen
- red- improvement of lifestyle and love
- yellow - to encourage blessings of improved employment conditions
- Green - improved financial circumstances
- white - improved health
- additionally the Mexicans make a list of all the negative things that have happened to them, and burn them shortly before midnight to symbolize the removal of negative energy from the new year.
- In many cultures, people toast with champagne and wish each other a happy new year, fortune and health.
- In France, Some eat ice cream. [I'll have to get in on that tradition.]
- Some pour molten lead into a bucket of cold water and then tell fortunes base upon the shapes
- Some touch a chimney sweep or have them rub some ash on your forehead for good luck and health
- Wearing Red underwear is a tradition in many cultures. some say it brings in new love with the new year. Others say it brings good luck in general.
- In Reformed Protestant families, Psalm 90 is read.
- In Russia, there is an old superstition that if your first visitor (especially an unexpected one) is a man, then the year will be good.
- In Scotland people celebrate by going First-Footing. That is a tradition where friends or family members go to each others homes with a gift of whiskey and sometimes a lump of coal.
- In Ukraine it is taboo to not give presents to those the family associates with.
- A couple cultures celebrate by swimming in rivers, lakes, or public pools.
- Some wear white to bring good luck into the new year
- Wear new or Special clothing. My Friend Mara says to bring new clothes into your year. it's just tradition in some cultures. In Guatemala they wear new clothes for good fortune.
- In Costa Rica, people run across the street with luggage to bring new trips and adventures into the new year.
- in many cultures they sing traditional New year's songs.
- In Ecuador the men dress as women to represent the "widow" of the year that has passed.
- in Venezuela,
- Want to find love, wear red underwear
- Those who want money should toast with a bill of high value in hand
- if you wish to travel, go outside while carrying luggage
- yellow underwear brings in happiness in the new year
- In New Zealand, alcohol is banned in some major cities due to the large disorder and vandalism that has occurred in the past.
- In Ghana, many people celebrate by going to church.
- In Japan, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times at midnight in the tradition Joya non Kane. The 108 rings represent the elements of bono, mental states that lead people to take unwholesome actions.
- Filipinos
- Wear clothes with circular patters, such as polka dots. it signifies the belief that circles attract money and fortune.
- They also will wear bright colors to show enthusiasm for the upcoming year.
- throwing coins at midnight will increase your wealth in the upcoming year
- jumping up high is said to increase your height.
- In Singapore they release 20k inflatable "wishing spheres" that carry over 500k wishes written by Singaporeans. it is broadcast on many tv's.
- And of course, all over fireworks are set off!! :)
