Whether we dread it or look forward to it, a new year is fast approaching. New Year’s Eve celebrations are a global festivity of hope for a bright and prosperous future. Although many cultures have diverse ways to commemorate the occasion, we all share a unanimous wish for happiness. May you see your resolutions through to the end!
New Year’s Traditions:
- In Japan, you can see many dangling lobster decorations, symbolizing longevity. If your back becomes as hunched as a lobster’s, you know you’ve lived long!
- Be prepared to get colourful! In Cambodia, your friends will squirt you with tinted water (yellow, pink, or red) for happiness.
In Cuba and Mexico, there is a common practice of eating 12 grapes at midnight for 12 happy months ahead.- Goldfish and birds are set free for good luck in Thailand.
- In Wales, evergreen branches represent fortune. Many young men sprinkle their friend’s and relative’s homes with evergreen branches soaked in water.
- A tree is planted and decorated with red streamers and lots of bells in Vietnam. This is done to ward off evil spirits.
- In China, every inch of the house is cleaned prior to New Year’s. But when the day comes, cleaning must stop so any luck that has built up cannot be swept away.
- Dark-haired men are deemed the luckiest in Anglo-Saxon countries, so they are very popular guests on New Year’s Day – the first visitor after midnight brings the household luck for the future.
- To toss a pan full of water out the window will rid you of evil spirits in Puerto Rico.
Happy New Year everybody! Best of luck for 2012!
If you want to experience a real New Year’s show just come to Toronto’s Queen Victoria Park overlooking Niagara Falls. For me this is the greatest place where I have spent most of my New Year’s celebrations and every year there’s something new prepared for the visitors as far as the wonderful musical performances are concerned.