Good day, dear Take in Mind readers! As a short introduction, we want to tell you about a curious incident that happened several years ago to one of our friends. The friend and his family live in a southern country, where the New Year differs from the generally accepted one and it is celebrated in Fall. In this country, the more common New Year, the one that is celebrated from December 31 to January 1, is also celebrated (especially by the newcomers from European countries), but it is not an official holiday. It’s also important to note that this family has close relatives in the Netherlands. So, what a surprise it was when on one of December evenings, a sort of “mutant”, a mix between Santa Claus and a bishop, appeared on the house’s doorstep, accompanied by another person, masquerading, excuse me, as a young black man?
After the first shock and joyful hugs, the visiting relatives clarified that Sinterklaas himself and his faithful companion, Black Pete, visited the family. Although this time they arrived not on St. Nicholas day (the evening of December 5), but exactly on New Year’s Eve! And this company did not come from the North Pole but Spain (really, of course, from Amsterdam). Not on a sleigh with reindeer, but a boat (really, of course, by plane, and then from the airport by taxi). And the guests will stay not for a couple of minutes, but a week or two. And our friend will have to offer hospitality with more than just cookies…
We think you have already guessed that we will talk today about some unusual traditions of the New Year celebration. The Internet and personal acquaintances provided us with very interesting information that we really want to share with you. So, if you want to add some diversity to your New Year habits, we suggest you check our top eight list.
The New Year celebration in Yakutia (Yysakh) is accompanied by a very spectacular tradition: making huge bonfires and dancing around them. Such round dances may be prolonged for several days (it all depends on your physical capabilities and vacation at work). It is believed that the fire cleans the participants and charges them with positive energy for the entire next year.
Argentines say goodbye to the old year, cheerfully throwing out used calendars, contracts, letterheads, and other unnecessary documents on the sidewalks. No one knows when this tradition came from and what it should symbolize. Also, we do not know how brutally Argentinian cleaners express their emotions the next day, but it is believed that everyone likes this habit and is full of joy… Oh well.
Further, there is a very curious Italian tradition to wear red accessories and clothes (and best of all, underwear!) on New Year’s Eve. It is believed that red clothes bring success!
Peruvians have a special New Year’s habit for those who want to travel next year. You need to pick up a suitcase and go around your block, taking it with you. This should be done five minutes before the New Year begins. However, at the midnight you should already be home. Try it and tell us if it works for you…
In order to stay healthy and happy throughout the next year, the Micronesians change their own names. On January 1, covering their mouths with their palm, Micronesians quietly tell their new name to the relatives. The evil spirits will not hear, but the relatives will know how to address you from now on. By the way, I wonder what, for example, tax authorities do in this regard?
On the last minute of December 31, Spanish people try to eat “the twelve grapes of luck” (doce uvas de la suerte) so that happiness and success accompany them every month in the coming year. Traditionally, the white Aledo grapes are best suited. But you can do the same tradition in an original way: 12 dumplings, 12 sushi rolls, 12 caviar sandwiches, etc. all of these should work too.
In Japan, on January 1, the bells are heard everywhere, and they ring exactly 108 times. The Japanese believe that each ring cleans a person of one of 108 earthly desires—evil passions that mislead, trouble, and torment people.
One of the main New Year traditions in Scotland (Hogmanay) is visiting friends and neighbours. A special role is assigned to the first guest in the New Year. The first one who crosses the threshold of the house after midnight should bring a symbolic “good luck” gift (it may be salt, coal, shortbread, whiskey, or a special fruit cake, black bun). A dark-haired and tall guest is believed to bring a special joy – but we think that the short blond with a gift will not be dismissed as well.
Dear Take in Mind Readers! Happy New Year! We wish you a lot of health, happiness, love, and success in 2024!
Featured image by Alexei Chizhov from Pixabay.
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