Maria Carolina Martins
Emma Narvaez
3..2..1…Happy New Year! This celebratory greeting, along with the iconic scene of the New York Times Square Ball Drop, the timeless tradition of sharing a New Year’s kiss, and the colorful explosion of fireworks illuminating the night sky all make up the classic New Year’s celebration that we’re all familiar with. However, as the clock strikes midnight and the world comes together to welcome the beginning of a new chapter, diverse customs from every corner of the world take place.
Asia
Japan – 108 Bells
In Japan, the New Year starts with a spiritual symphony – 108 bells echoing at Buddhist temples, lasting 1-2 hours. The ringing, known as “Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘)”, or “midnight bell” takes place at Buddhist temples across the country. This rhythmic ritual isn’t just a countdown; it’s a cleansing melody, casting off 108 earthly desires and paving the path to a fresh, enlightened beginning.
OSU Special Collections & Archives : Commons, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons
Philippines – Round Shapes for Prosperity
In the Philippines, the New Year is welcomed with a delightful custom emphasizing the importance of shapes in shaping one’s fortune. Filipinos believe that consuming round-shaped fruits, such as grapes and oranges, and placing coins in pockets or wallets, symbolize wealth and prosperity. The roundness represents coins and abundance, creating a start to the year filled with financial well-being and good fortune.
North America
United States – Drops
Across the United States, New Year’s Eve is marked by a diverse array of “drops,” where unique objects descend as the clock strikes midnight. From the iconic Times Square Ball Drop in New York City to quirky regional drops like a giant peach in Atlanta, a music note in Nashville, a conch shell in Key West, or even a pickle or possum in various towns, each drop reflects the distinctive character and traditions of its locality.
Georgia’s Peach Drop, Credit: Getty Images, https://www.nydailynews.com/2021/12/30/the-most-bizarre-new-years-eve-drops-around-the-country/
Canada – Polar Bear Swim
Canada takes a daring dip into the New Year with the Polar Bear Swim. It’s not just a plunge; it’s a bone-chilling baptism, washing away the old year and gathering communities to leap into a fresh start, no matter how frosty the waters may be.
Australia
Australia – Making Noise!
Down under, Aussies don’t just welcome the New Year; they announce it with a bang! As the clock strikes midnight, Aussies flood the streets, banging pots and pans in a brassy chorus. It’s not just noise; it’s a spirited symphony bidding farewell to the old year and ushering into the New Year!
Europe
France – Mistletoe
When you think of mistletoe, your mind will probably take you to Christmas. However, in France, the little plant (and the kisses under it) comes out on New Year’s Eve instead. You may encounter it in the party decorations all over the country, and when the clock strikes midnight, couples will kiss sous le gui (under the mistletoe).
Italy – Throwing Things Out the Window
To kick off the year the right way, the Italians have an unusual tradition on The night of San Silvestro (New Year’s Eve): throwing old pots, pans, clothes, appliances, even furniture out the window. This is meant to symbolize the “letting go” of things that no longer bring you happiness to prepare yourself for the future. Although this custom was more common in ancient times, it is still alive in different parts of Italy, including large cities like Naples and Rome, just with smaller items, usually crockery.
http://www.grandvoyageitaly.com/culture/out-with-the-old-on-new-years-eve-in-italy
Africa
South Africa – “Second New Year”
Although South Africa celebrates New Year’s Eve on the night of the 31st to the 1st of January, with beautiful displays of fireworks, alongside traditional bands playing catchy melodies that echo through the streets, a different tradition takes place on January 2. That day is called Tweede Nuwe Jaar – “second new year”. This date is significant as in the past this was the day when, after the celebrations of their masters, the slaves were allowed to rest and enjoy the arrival of the new year.
South America
Brazil – White & Red Clothing
In Brazil, it is believed that by wearing certain colors to welcome the new year you can attract whatever it is you need for the coming year. On the outside, many choose to follow customs derived from Afro-Brazilian religions and wear white from head to toe, a color that symbolizes peace, purity, and renewal. Underclothing is also important – many wear bright-colored undergarments, with carefully selected colors, as each represents an individual desire. For example, yellow symbolizes money and success; red is passion, and green is hope.
Colombia – Empty Suitcases
If you’re a traveler and ever find yourself spending New Year’s in Colombia, then the South American country has the perfect tradition for you. People who wish for a year full of travel and adventures take their empty suitcases around the block for a stroll at midnight for a year of plane tickets and getting to know world beauties guaranteed!
Works Cited
culturetrip. “The Strangest Colombian New Year Traditions.” Culture Trip, 26 Oct. 2017, theculturetrip.com/south-america/colombia/articles/the-11-strangest-colombian-new-year-traditions.
Herrmann, Michele. “10 Unusual New Year’s Eve Ball Drops in the United States.” Forbes, 26 Dec. 2023, www.forbes.com/sites/micheleherrmann/2023/12/26/10-unusual-new-years-eve-ball-drops-in-the-united-states/?sh=6ae0a6b84e21. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.
Leonardo, Ferrer. “New Year’s Traditions in Africa.” ONLYONE AFRICA, 2024, onlyone.africa/new-years-traditions-in-africa/.
Moench, Mallory. “10 New Year’s Traditions from across the Globe.” TIME, 28 Dec. 2023, time.com/6550868/new-years-traditions-around-the-world/.
Nippon.com. ““Ōmisoka” (New Year’s Eve).” Nippon.com, 26 Dec. 2015, www.nippon.com/en/features/jg00100/.
Schmitz, img alt=’’ src=’https://secure gravatar com/avatar/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=20’ class=’avatar avatar-20 photo avatar-default’ height=’20’ width=’20’ />Elizabeth. “Ringing in 2018: Strange New Year’s Eve Traditions from around the World.” Ecophiles, 10 Dec. 2017, ecophiles.com/2017/12/10/strange-new-years-eve-traditions/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.
The French Desk. “Eight New Year’s Traditions in France.” The French Desk, 10 Feb. 2020, thefrenchroomhome.wordpress.com/2020/02/10/new-year-traditions-in-france/.
Maria Carolina Martins, Emma Narvaez