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World ready for unique celebrations

By MONICA KELLER

mkeller@timesobserver.com

Every country on Earth celebrates the ringing in of the New Year. But every country’s traditions are different and it reflects their unique cultural customs and beliefs. Below are some of these notable traditions.

NORTH AMERICA

1. United States: Watching the ball drop in Times Square, New York, and making resolutions for the new year.

2. Mexico: Sweeping the house to remove bad energy and carrying an empty suitcase around the block to encourage travel.

Europe

1. Spain: Eating 12 grapes at midnight, one with each clock chime, to bring good luck for the coming year.

2. Italy: Wearing red underwear for good luck and eating lentils for prosperity.

3. Germany: Pouring molten lead into water to interpret fortunes from the resulting shapes.

Asia

1. China: Lunar New Year celebrations often include firecrackers, red decorations, and giving money in red envelopes.

2. Japan: Eating soba noodles to symbolize longevity and resilience, and visiting temples for “hatsumode” (first shrine visit of the year).

3. India: Various regions celebrate with unique customs, such as lighting oil lamps in South India or flying kites in Gujarat.

Africa

1. South Africa: Church services and festive meals, with some communities celebrating by discarding old furniture as a way to start fresh.

2. Ethiopia: The Ethiopian New Year, Enkutatash, is celebrated with traditional music, dancing, and feasting.

South America

1. Brazil: Wearing white clothing for peace and jumping over seven ocean waves for luck.

2. Colombia: Running around the block with a suitcase for a year filled with travel.

Oceania

1. Australia: Fireworks displays in major cities, especially Sydney Harbour.

2. New Zealand: Māori traditions may include karakia (prayers) and celebrating Matariki, the Māori New Year, when it falls in mid-year.

Other Unique Traditions

1. Philippines: Displaying round fruits and wearing polka dots to symbolize prosperity.

2. Scotland: “First footing,” where the first visitor after midnight brings gifts like coal or whisky for good fortune.

3. Denmark: Breaking plates on friends’ and neighbors’ doors to bring them good luck.

Each tradition reflects hopes for health, happiness, and success in the coming year.

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