|
Out with the Old, In with the
New Year
"Three, two,
one, Happy New Year!" Most
people
are familiar with
the dropping of the ball of
lights in New York City,
along with
the famous fireworks
displays in Rio
de Janeiro, Sydney, and Taipei.
But here are a few
lesser-known
New Year's Day traditions from
around the globe.
In Japan, people send
postcards to friends
and family. They also fly
kites, play
games, and read poetry.
Some traditions
related to
Chinese New Year are
banging gongs
to
drive away
bad luck and spirits
and giving money to children on
January 1.
In Spanish-speaking countries
around the world, wearing red
underwear on
New Year's Day is thought to
bring good luck in love. In
Ecuador, people burn
dummies
stuffed
with paper and
firecrackers to
symbolize the
death of the old year. In Spain
and Mexico, people eat 12 grapes
to ensure 12
lucky months.
In Scotland, home of the famous
New Year song, "Auld
Lang Syne," people
bring gifts to neighbors just
after midnight. In Denmark,
people smash
old plates to
attract new
friends. Dutch people believe
that doughnuts
are good luck because their ring
shape symbolizes a complete
year.
Around the world, it's common
practice to give a loved one a
kiss at midnight on New Year's
Day. People of many countries
also
make resolutions,
believing that the new year is a
good time to
leave bad habits
behind. Common
resolutions include dieting,
exercising, or quitting smoking.
Throw a party,
watch some fireworks, eat a
special food, or make a
resolution. No matter where you
are, there are plenty of great
ways to welcome the New Year. |
