New Year's Traditions Around the World
Alisha and Sara
January 31, 2022
Traditionally, in the U.S., New Year is celebrated on January 1st with New Year’s Eve on December 31st. Countries around the world celebrate New Year’s in different ways and it represents something different for everyone
The New Year first hits in the Oceanic Islands and ends with Hawaii, making it the last US state to celebrate New Year’s.
Japan
In Japan, it is very common to eat soba noodles on the 31st to break away from the past year. Also, if you live near a Buddhist temple, you can hear the bell ring 108 times, getting rid of the 108 temptations and sins of the passing year. On New Year’s day, people watch the sunrise and eat osechi, a traditional food with their families.
China
China celebrates New Year’s from late January to mid-February and is a 15-day festival with preparations and activities beginning as early as December. The Làbā festival occurs on the 8th day of the lunar calendar when you pray to ancestors and gods. According to a legend, the famous red decorations are used to scare away a dragon named Nian, meaning year, who would come and attack villagers at the beginning of every year. During the Lunar new year, you can also see dragon dances and the Lantern Festival, where people hand glowing red lanterns in temples.
India
India has many different traditions and celebrations depending on which part of India you are from, and which religion you believe in. One of the celebrations is called Ugadi, also known as Samvatsarādi, meaning the beginning of the year, is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu calendar, and typically falls in April in the Gregorian calendar. People make colorful patterns on the floor and decorate mango leaves on doors.
Spain
In Spain, people eat 12 grapes (doce uvas) at midnight, one at each stroke of the clock, which is meant to bring good luck for the next year, and the grapes have to be eaten fast. Traditional foods also include eating chocolate with churros.
Denmark
Denmark has quite a strange tradition: breaking plates. According to some sources, throwing plates is meant to bring good luck, and people throw them at their friends and family’s door. Another tradition is “jumping into the new year” by jumping off furniture. People in Denmark also like to make a lot of noise to welcome New Year’s, such as firecrackers, bullhorns, and champagne bottle popping.
New Year’s is truly a special holiday, since so many people around the world celebrate this holiday in their own unique and special way, as they welcome new years with hope and celebrations.