New year brings new hope, rays of opportunities and happy spirit in life. It is also the time to look back and remember all the good and bad the previous year has brought and practice gratitude. Each person wants to embrace the new year with blessings and happiness, as it is a call for a new beginning.
The Chinese New Year, Bengali New year, Arabic New Year and other new years based on different calendars are celebrated in different parts of the world according to their very own tradition. However, 1st January, the English new year is celebrated all across the globe and there are plenty of fun, weird and spiritual traditions and celebrations that occur to give the upcoming year a warm welcome. Here are a few of them mentioned below,
Cutting Cake with a Hidden Coin
A Greek tradition is to bake a cake called Vasilopita that has a coin hidden inside. They cut the cake at midnight and serve it to everyone; there is a belief that the receiver of the coin has good luck for the year. Vasilopita cutting is very common among the Greek within their families or any other event of the new year.
Writing wish and burning them
In Russia, there is a tradition of writing your wish on New Year’s Eve just when its midnight. The wish must be precise and well stated. Before the clock strikes the final beat, you have to write it down on a little piece of paper, set it on fire, pour the ashes into your champagne, and then drink it all. It is believed that if you do it right your wishes will come true, cause that exam time when the clock hits twelve there is a window to get your wish come true by a higher power.
Wearing White
In honor of Nemanja, the Goddess of the Sea, the Brazilian adopted the tradition of wearing white on the new year. The color white represents peace and prosperity and a new beginning, which is a great way to welcome the new year with. Many people attend this festival and greet the year in Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach wearing white attire and jumping into the waves, which is a celebration spot for all.
Smashing Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a very common fruit in turkey that is used in many forms in different dishes. The Turkish people smash pomegranates in front of their house believing it will bring abundance and prosperity throughout the year. They even sprinkle salt in case they don’t have pomegranate available.
Walking around with empty suitcase
Mexico and some other Latin American countries have a fun tradition of walking around with empty suitcases around their neighborhood. It is a wish for a year full of travel and adventure. This one is great for the explorers out there who want to tick their bucket list in the upcoming year.
Smashing plates
Smashing old dishes and plates on one’s door is a unique way of saying goodbye to the last year and welcoming the new one, followed in Denmark. It is a way of showing gratitude to the loved ones for their love and support, and wishing them good luck for the new year. It also shows cancelling all the negativity and old burdens from life.
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Writer
Sayeda Jannatun Nahar
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE