Handing out gilded coins or nuts was an old Roman ritual, according to the The Old Farmer’s Almanac, but you could also give eggs for fertility, a Persian practice. Just as in their first-footing tradition, the Scottish apparently also traded shortbread, coal, and silverware, while Egyptians’ specialty was earthenware flasks. For Catholics, January 1st, or the Solemnity of Mary, is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning they have to attend mass on New Year’s Day.
Because pigs represent progress and prosperity in some cultures, pork appears on the New Year’s Eve table in Cuba, Austria, Hungary, Portugal and other countries. Ring-shaped cakes and pastries, a sign that the year has come full circle, round out the feast in the Netherlands, Mexico, Greece and elsewhere. In Sweden and Norway, meanwhile, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is served on New Year’s Eve; it is said that whoever finds the nut can expect 12 months of good fortune.
The band, which came from a part of Ontario settled by Scots, often covered the song, partially to promote one of the sponsors of their radio show, Robert Burns Cigars. Despite the Gregorian calendar being globally recognized, many countries follow different timetables. As weird as it may sound, there’s some debate as to which is the first country to celebrate the New Year. Lentils are thealimentos do diafor Brazilian New Year’s celebrations.
It’s old-fashioned, but it’s the traditional New Year’s Eve song that’s played at the stroke of midnight around the world. Whether you’re at a party or at home in your PJs, imagenes de feliz año nuevo put on this traditional song, and simply enjoy the moment dancing in each other’s arms. In northern China, people prepare and eat jiaozi (dumplings, 餃子) as part of LNY Eve.
Night clubs, movie theatres, resorts, restaurants and amusement parks are filled with people of all ages on the new year’s eve. People greet and wish each other ‘Happy New Year’, and exchanging messages, greeting cards and gifts are part of the ‘New Year’ celebration. Yes, it’s an old standby, but we’re constantly taken aback by the number of couples thatdon’tkiss at the stroke of midnight. The more superstitious among us swear that starting the new year locking lips means more love in the 12 months to come. After all, you want to start off the year strong being close to the person closest to you.
The first day of the New Year is celebrated at midnight with cider or champagne. People wish each other a happy New Year, and sometimes share a toast with neighbours. Residents in La Plata have a long tradition making giants dolls, mostly made of paper and wood with some fireworks on it, to later on after the midnight burn them down. These “street party”-type events often include performances by live musicians or DJs, confetti, and a fireworks display. Some require tickets to be purchased ahead of time, and some are free to attend.