New Year's Traditions

New Year’s Traditions Around The World

Every country and culture has different New Year’s Eve traditions with various reasons behind them, either to close the door on the year, set goals for the next year, or to bring in good luck, love, or happiness for the upcoming year. These traditions have rich histories and superstitions behind them. There are too many traditions to list, but here is a short list of how some countries celebrate, but traditions around food and shooting off fireworks seem almost universal.

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 Mexico

Grapes are a tradition in many different cultures and Mexico is no different. In Mexico glasses are filled with 12 grapes and after a toast at midnight, they are eaten. Some believe that each sweet grape represents a good month and each sour grape represents a harder month in the new year. Others believe that whoever finishes eating the grapes first will have good luck for the whole year. Some people wear specific colored underwear to bring in specific good fortunes,  like red for romance and green for good health. If you visit Mexico around the end of the year, you may see people walking around with empty suitcases. This tradition is believed to bring the ability to go on a trip in the new year.

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United States

In the United States, our most well-known tradition is the ball drop in New York City, but there are many “drops” around the country if you don’t want to fight the crowds in New York. In Mount Olive, North Carolina they do a pickle drop in order to raise money for the local foodbank. Here you can watch as a giant pickle is lowered into a jar, celebrate the new year with free pickles, and enjoy fireworks. In Mobile, Alabama they celebrate “MoonPie Over Mobile” where a 600-pound moonpie is lowered. During this event, they have free concerts and a huge Mardi-Gras-esque party. In the South, a lot of families have the tradition of eating black-eyed peas or Hoppin’ John stew. It is said that eating black-eyed peas will bring good luck.

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Germany

New Year’s Eve is also when the Saint Sylvester feast is held in Germany. Pope Sylvester died on December 21, 335, from choking on a fish bone, so the date was chosen to honor him, which includes avoiding anything fishy, and instead, people eat lentils and sausage, representing good luck. It is also common for people to give their loved ones good luck charms, which are often figurines shaped like pigs, mushrooms, and horseshoes. Since 1963, when a television station first aired Dinner for One as a New Year’s Eve time filler, it has become a beloved tradition to watch the black-and-white cult classic annually.

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If you’re looking to add some delicious and luck-inducing food to your New Year’s Eve celebration, here is a list of some to try.

Soba Noodles - In Japan, it is common to eat buckwheat soba noodles at midnight to say goodbye to the year and welcome the new year. The noodles represent longevity and prosperity.

King Cake - King Cake is found in many cultures around the world and involves a sweet cake that is sliced and served. A small figurine or gold coin is hidden in the batter before baking and whoever finds it in their slice of cake is said to have a prosperous year ahead.

Wassail - Wassail comes from the Gaelic term for “good health” and is a hot, mulled punch that can sometimes include alcohol. It is made similar to apple cider but with more spices like nutmeg and ginger. It is popular to drink in various parts of England, often with recipes handed down for generations.

Tamales - Delicious, savory meat (usually pork or beef), encased in masa, and wrapped in a corn husk, tamales are traditionally eaten in Mexico and by Latino families around the world. They are extremely time-consuming to make and families typically work together to get them made for major holidays.

New Year’s is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the past, set meaningful goals, and embrace the chance to start fresh. It’s also a time to honor cherished traditions or create new ones that bring joy and connection to your family. From sharing special meals to exchanging good luck charms or simply spending quality time together, there are countless ways to celebrate. What traditions does your family hold dear, and are there any new ones you’re planning to start this year? Let’s welcome the New Year with hope, positivity, and a sense of purpose!

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