Celebrating the New Year is one of the biggest events of the year. There are many New Year’s welcoming traditions around the world. While some take out time for the holidays with their family, others observe welcoming traditions in their various countries. What is the New Year’s 2019 welcoming tradition in your country?
NEW YEAR’S WELCOMING TRADITION IN CHINA
The welcoming tradition of celebrating the New Year in China is so old that its origin is untraceable. But according to Zodiac signs, the year 2019 represents the year of the pig for the Chinese. Chinese New Year comes with many traditions that are practiced to celebrate the New Year. Those who celebrate the Chinese New Year believe it brings good luck for the coming New Year.
Little Year
In China, preparations for the New Year begin on January 28th, 2019.
Spring Festival
Chinese New Year celebration officially begins on February 5th, 2019, and ends on February 19th.
NEW YEAR’S WELCOMING TRADITION IN BRITAIN
The New Year’s welcoming tradition in Britain usually involves dancing, singing, and drinking on New Year’s Eve. In Scotland, Hogmanay is often celebrated with a ceilidh, a tradition that involves the first person to set foot across the threshold of a friend or family to bring gifts bread, whiskey, and coal to that friend or family.
NEW YEAR’S WELCOMING TRADITION IN ROME
Rome is a great place to spend New Year’s Eve. The city is beautifully lit up with street decorations and trees at the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia and Saint Peter’s. Candles are usually lit across the street and from midnight, there will be fireworks going off all around Rome.
NEW YEAR’S WELCOMING TRADITION IN MEXICO
The Mexicans celebrate the New Year by eating 12 grapes – one representing each toll of the bell which is used to make 12 wishes for the coming year (12 months). Also, wearing yellow underwear is thought to make them prosperous in the New Year while red pants are worn as it symbolizes good luck in love.
NEW YEAR’S TRADITION 2019 TIPS
Get Ready to Break Plates!
While this may sound weird, it is actually how the inhabitants of Denmark celebrate their New Year. The people of Denmark save all unused plates until the 31st of December. On this day, they shatter it against the doors of their friends, families, and neighbors. What a great way to celebrate the New Year!
Dressed in Old Rags
On New Year’s Eve, Junkanoo parades in Bahamas and various Caribbean countries. Junkanoo consists of people dressing up in old rags and animal skins.
Take Joy in Ringing Bells
The New Year’s Tradition in Japan is usually associated with the Buddhist belief. One of their traditions involves smiling – people are urged to smile into the New Year as it is believed to bring good luck. Also, bells are rung 108 times in alignment from different angles. Why 108? The Buddhist believes that there are 108 human sins so it is believed that ringing bells bring cleanness.
Buying New Clothes
Buying new clothes and giving out old ones is a popular New Year’s welcoming tradition in China. The ladies buy red dresses because black is not acceptable during the Chinese New Year celebration. The Chinese believe that the color red makes the occasion healthier.
Visit Zen Spiritual to learn more New Year’s welcoming traditions.