New Year Tradition in Different Countries
By Mandar Pandhare
on Oct 15, 2016
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Fireworks: Check!
Sound and Light show: Cool
Some booze and great food: Definitely!
New Year's Eve Cake: Mandatory
And some fun music scenes: Necessary!
That's how most of us ring in the new year. But even though the majority of countries welcome the new year in the most mainstream way, some countries add a twist to the celebrations.
Here's a how new year tradition in different countries have their own unique style!
1. Argentina: For those bitten by the travel bug!
Source: Wikimedia
New Year celebrations in Argentina are mainstream, which includes fireworks and dinner with family and friends. But there is one unusual new year tradition which is followed here by the one who loves travelling. It is believed that if you take rounds of your house, with a suitcase in your hand, you'll get to travel a lot, for the next year. A great opportunity for every travel junkie, isn't it?
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2. Afghanistan: Celebrate Nowruz, Afghan style!
Source: Wikimedia
Nowruz is that period when Afghans celebrate the first day of spring and also the beginning of new year. The Afghan families have a gala time, during this period and also relish some authentic local cuisines. Another major attraction for the Afghan new year celebrations is the national dance Attan. People perform this dance in a circle and different provinces of Afghanistan have different versions of the same dance.
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3. Denmark: Leap off for some good fortune!
Source: Pixabay
Popular beliefs also dominate Denmark’s new year celebration. Generally, if you want to shower some love on your friends and neighbours, then you gift some goodies or invite them for dinner. But that’s not how people from Denmark ring in the new year. Instead, they smash dishes and glasses against the homes of their friends. Just another form of displaying affection, right! Also, when the clock turns 12, it is believed that leaping off from a chair will bring some fortune.
Planning on a Europe trip? Here are the best places to celebrate new year in Europe
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4. Ecuador: A not so POLITICALLY way to celebrate New Year’s Eve!
Source: Wikimedia
Some new year tradition in different countries across the world are unique, one such is in Ecuador. The locals here believe in releasing all the negative energy and hence the effigies of famous..errr..infamous politicians are burnt.
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5. Greece: Turn off the lights!
Source: Pexels
Greeks believe that turning the lights off during the midnight will help them in welcoming the new year with fresh eyes. With this, it’ll give them a fresh perspective to look at their lives. Another very intriguing way of celebrating the new year is by cutting the cake which has a coin inside. The one who gets the piece with the coin, good fortune is in store for him, next year!
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6. Philippines: Where prosperity comes ROUND!
Source: Pexels
On the occasion of New Year’s Eve, people carry coins in their pockets. Moreover, they eat and display fruits that are round in shape. According to their beliefs, round objects are a sign of prosperity and hence one should keep them for a flourishing new year.
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7. South Africa: The country with the most bizarre new year celebration!
Source: Robert Lowe/ Flickr
If I had to define the new year celebration in South Africa in one word, that word would be- INSANE! If you’re walking through a residential area and see old furniture or electrical appliances, land right in front of you, don't get too shocked! This is the South African way of ringing in the new year. This act symbolises casting away of old things and making a way for new opportunities.
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8. Brazil: One of the most traditionally inclined New Year’s Eve!
Source: Wikimedia
Brazilian new year tradition is very rooted to the country’s culture. People eat rice and lentils in order to bring prosperity. Moreover, the Delamaza Festival is one of the most popular festivals you must visit in Brazil . People offer prayers to Lemanza, the goddess of water, during this festival. In addition to this, there are usual musical concerts, sound and light shows.
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9. The Netherlands: The one with a tinge of thrill!
Source: Good Free Photos
If you thought that South Africa had the wackiest new year celebration, wait till you know more! The Netherlands also gains one of the top spots for the countries celebrating the new year in the weirdest way possible! Teenagers blow up milk cans during the year end. The reason: Still not known.
While this tradition is banned in most of the Netherlands, some hyperactive teenagers still continue to practise it!
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10. Scotland: It’s all about gifts!
Source: Scotland
New Year’s Eve is that time of the year, where you can pamper yourself with gifts. And Scots have taken it, quite seriously! A ritual in which if you are the first one to enter a person’s house, then you’ve to shower them with gifts.
Traditional, ancient and insane, this is how different countries around the world ring in the new year. Did we miss out some? Do let us know in the comment section below.
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