Traditions around the Globe
If you think about it we have some funny traditions to celebrate the coming of the New Year – watching a countdown from 10-1 on the TV, drink in hand, kissing the person next to you, whilst singing a version of Auld Lang Syne and maybe even disturbing your neighbours by opening the doors and banging on a saucepan or two!
But we are not alone; places all over the globe have unique ways of ringing in the New Year:
In Brazil, those that live near a beach will head down to the sea after midnight; they will throw flowers in to the water whilst making a wish and will jump seven waves. This tradition should see them bestowed with good fortune and luck for the future.
Meanwhile in Madrid crowds will gather around the Puerta del Sol with a glass of bubbly in hand, they take along 12 grapes – one to eat at each strike of the clock, to signify good luck for each month of the coming year.
Japan celebrate all through December with Bōnenkai which are year forgetting parties. They are often with friends or colleagues from work, it is a way of giving thanks and showing a public display of gratitude. Lots of alcohol is normally involved and the idea is to forget any troubles of the past year and to look forward to a bright New Year.
Germany & Austria have their own unique divination custom, where they pour molten lead in to cold water (Bleigieben), the shapes it creates reveal your future for the coming year. An anchor means help in need, a ball means luck will roll your way, a cross signifies death!
Everyone knows Scotland celebrates New Year (Hogmanay) with a passion, but you might not know about the ‘first footing tradition’ – the first foot in to the household after midnight should be male, dark and bring symbolic coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and whisky. The ritual is believed to be a throwback to Viking days when blonde strangers arriving on your doorstep signified trouble.
In Denmark, popularity is not counted by social networking sites – how many friends do you have? But by the volume of broken china left outside your door come New Year’s Day. Danes save old china throughout the year, so that they can throw items by the dozen at the doorsteps of family and friends as part of the New Year celebrations, to signify luck through a host of loyal friends.
Colour is an important factor in many locations celebrating of New Year, Bolivians are fans of bright yellow underwear to bring love or money in the coming year. In Mexico red is worn in order to attract love and happiness after midnight. In the Philippines polka dots are worn, as well as clothing, dining tables will be laden with round shaped food and fruits to denote coins and wealth.
However you celebrate the New Year, everyone at Psychic Sight wishes you good health, prosperity and happiness in 2014 and beyond.
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