New Year’s Traditions From Around The World

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Many New Year customs that we take for granted actually date from ancient times. This year, ring out the old and ring in the new with a New Year tradition—or two!

Make Some Noise

– In ancient Thailand, guns were fired to frighten off demons.

– In China, firecrackers routed the forces of darkness.

– In the early American colonies, the sounds of pistol shots rang through the air.

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

Eat Lucky Food

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

– In the southern US, black-eyed peas and pork foretell good fortune.

– Eating any ring-shaped treat (such as a donut) symbolize “coming full circle” and leads to good fortune. In Dutch homes, fritters called olie bollen are served.

– The Irish enjoy pastries called bannocks.

– The tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight comes from Spain.

– In India and Pakistan, rice promises prosperity.

– Apples dipped in honey are a Rosh Hashanah tradition.

– In Swiss homes, dollops of whipped cream, symbolizing the richness of the year to come, are dropped on the floors (and allowed to remain there!)

Drink a Beverage

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

– Wassail, the Gaelic term for “good health” is served in some parts of England.

– Spiced “hot pot” is the Scottish version of Wassail. It’s customary to drink a glass or two at home before sharing with neighbors.

– In Holland, toasts are made with hot, spiced wine.

Give a Gift

New Year’s Day was once the time to swap presents.

– Gifts of gilded nuts or coins marked the start of the new year in Rome.

– Eggs, the symbol of fertility, were exchanged by the Persians.

– Early Egyptians traded earthenware flasks.

– In Scotland, coal, shortbread and silverware are exchanged for good luck.

*Information Provided By The Old Farmers Almanac