New Year's Traditions From Around The World

ManyNew Year’s traditionsthat we take for granted actually date back to ancient times. This year, ring out the old and ring in the new with anewNew Year’stradition—ortwo!

MAKE SOMENOISE

Making a lot of noise—from fireworks to gun shots to church bells—seems to be a favorite pastime around theworld.

• In ancient Thailand, guns were fired to frighten offdemons.

• In China, firecrackers routed the forces ofdarkness.

• In the early American colonies, the soundof pistol shots rang through theair.

• Today, Italians let their church bells peal, the Swiss beat drums, and the North Americans sound sirens and party horns to bid the old yearfarewell.

EAT LUCKYFOOD

Many New Year’s traditions surround food. Here are afew:

• The tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight comes from Spain. Revelers stuff their mouths with 12 grapes in the final moments of the year—one grape for every chime of theclock!

• In the southernUS, black-eyed peas and pork foretell good fortune. See our recipe forGood Luck Hoppin’ John!

• In Scotland—whereHogmanayis celebrated—people parade down the streets swinging balls offire.

• Eating any ring-shaped treat (such as adoughnut) symbolizes “coming full circle” and leads to good fortune. In Dutch homes, fritters calledolie bollenareserved.

• The Irish enjoy pastries calledbannocks.

• In India and Pakistan, rice promisesprosperity.

• Apples dipped in honey are aRosh Hashanah(Jewish NewYear)tradition.

• In Swiss homes, dollops of whipped cream, symbolizing the richness of the year to come, are dropped on the floors—and allowed to remainthere!

HAVE ADRINK

Although the pop of a champagne cork signals the arrival of the New Year around the world, some countries have their own beverage-basedtraditions.

• Wassail, a punch-like drink namedafter the Gaelic term for “good health,” is served in some parts ofEngland.

• Spiced “hot pint” is the Scottish version of Wassail. Traditionally,the Scots drank to each others’ prosperity and also offered this warm drink to neighbors along with a smallgift.

• In Holland, toasts are made with hot, spicedwine.

See ourHoliday Punch Hints and Recipes!

GIVE AGIFT

New Year’s Day was once the time to swappresents.

• Gifts of gilded nuts or coins marked the start of the new year inRome.

• Eggs, the symbol of fertility, were exchanged by thePersians.

• Early Egyptians traded earthenwareflasks.

• In Scotland, coal, shortbread and silverware were traditionallyexchanged for goodluck.

PUT YOUR BEST FOOTFORWARD

In Scotland, the custom of first-footing is an important part of the celebration of Hogmanay, or New Year’s Eveday.

After midnight, family and friends visit each other’s home. The “first foot” to cross a threshold after midnight will predict the next year’s fortune. Although the tradition varies, those deemed especially fortunate as “first footers” are new brides, new mothers, those who are tall and dark (and handsome?)or anyone born on January1.

TURN OVER A NEWLEAF

The dawn of a new year is an opportune time to take stock of yourlife.

• Jews who observe Rosh Hashanah make time for personal introspection and prayer, as well as visitinggraves.

• Christian churches hold “watch-night” services, a custom that began in 1770 at Old St. Georges Methodist Church inPhiladelphia.

• The practice of making New Year’s resolutions, said to have begun with the Babylonians as early as 2600 B.C., is another way to reflect on the past and planahead.

NEW YEAR’SFOLKLORE

Some customs and beliefs are simply passed down through the ages. Here are some of our favorite age-old sayings andproverbs.

• On New Year’s Eve, kiss the person you hope to keep kissing.

• If New Year’s Eve night wind blow south, It betokeneth warmth and growth.

• For abundance in the new year, fill your pockets and cupboards today.

• If the old year goes out like a lion, the new year will come in like a lamb.

• Begin the new year square with every man.[i.e., pay your debts!]–Robert B. Thomas, founder ofThe Old Farmer’sAlmanac

So, whether we resolve to return borrowed farm equipment (as did the Babylonians) or drop a few pounds, we’re tapping into an ancient and powerful longing for a freshstart!