Do you follow New Year’s Eve Traditions?

All over the world New Year’s celebrations begin on December 31 and continue into the following day, January 1.  During the celebration, revelers enjoy foods that are symbolic of good luck for the coming year.  For instance, in Spain and other Spanish speaking countries, grapes symbolize their hopes for the future.  They will eat a dozen grapes right before midnight shared with some wine and cheese in practice for a great new year.

As for other parts of the world, legumes are thought to resemble coins that herald future financial success.  Examples would be, lentils in Italy and black-eyed peas in the Southern United States.  Because pigs represent progress and prosperity, you will find many pork dishes served with a glorious array of holiday fruits throughout Cuba, Austria, Hungary, Portugal, and several other countries.  In Mexico and Greece, ring-shaped pastries are served as a sign of the year coming full circle. Whereas in Sweden and Norway, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is served on New Year’s Eve; it’s said that whoever finds the almond can expect good fortune over the following twelve months.

There are many New Year Traditions we share worldwide while celebrating the New Year.  Some are watching fireworks, popping noisemakers, and singing songs to welcome in the new year like the ever-popular, “Auld Lang Syne” which is sung through many English speaking countries. And speaking of traditions, one of the biggest traditions of all is the new year resolution.  This tradition originated with the ancient Babylonians who would make promises in order to earn the favor of the gods and start off the new year on the right foot.

But in the end, the most iconic New Years Tradition is the dropping of the giant ball in New York City’s Times Square; millions of people around the world watch this event, which has gone on almost every year since 1907.  So what are your plans for the New Year?  Whether you’re a City Slicker or you prefer the feel of a small town, I’m betting some of the old traditions will be mixed in with your New Year celebration.  Just remember to be smart and safe during your celebration.  Happy New Year.

Information derived from The History Channel Website, Wikipedia.org & infoplease.com