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New Year's inspiration from around the world!

Julia Vogado

The start of a new year is like a universal invitation to be move on from the past, to ditch any negativity and to embrace a clean slate. But while fireworks and countdowns are the norm in many countries, there are many cultures who take a more creative approach to seeing in the New Year. By exploring these global customs, we gain a glimpse into what people value most, and perhaps a little inspiration for our own celebrations!


Take food, for example. Across the world, what’s on your plate as the clock strikes midnight matters. In Spain, it’s all about the "doce uvas" - 12 grapes gobbled down with each chime of the bell. It’s a fun if frantic - and even risky! - way to invite luck for each month of the coming year. In Italy and Argentina, lentils are the star, symbolising prosperity thanks to their coin-like shape. Meanwhile, in Japan, slurping toshikoshi soba noodles at New Year signifies resilience and long life. The UK might not have a midnight snack tradition, but perhaps this year’s resolution could involve borrowing one - I'm sure we could all use a little extra good fortune!


Beyond food, traditions also reflect the desire to clear away the old. In Argentina, people shred old papers and toss them out the window, quite literally an act of letting go - albeit a less hazardous one than in South Africa, where they throw out old furniture! Similarly, in Ecuador, effigies representing the year’s trials and tribulations are burned in bonfires - a dramatic but satisfying adiós to the past. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, as well as Japan, a good sweep through the home is a chance to get rid of any bad energy Compare that to the UK, where resolutions are often made quietly and individually, focusing more on personal goals than symbolic gestures. But imagine the catharsis of watching a paper effigy of your worst 2024 moments go up in smoke - another idea worth considering, perhaps?


Luck and love play a central role in New Year celebrations too. Red or pink underwear is a must in Argentina and Spain, promising passion and romance in the year ahead! In Brazil meanwhile, white clothing symbolises peace and renewal (although they'll be wearing a lot less when they jump 7 waves to make 7 wishes!). The UK may be less prescriptive about attire, but lucky traditions still creep in - such as the Scottish first-footing, where the first visitor of the year brings gifts for prosperity. (Such a shame that Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations have been called off because of terrible weather this year - it's a spectacular tradition).


In Germany, some New Year practices are a left a little more to chance. The tradition of "Bleigießen" involves pouring molten lead into water and interpreting the shape in the hope of spotting lucky symbols like 4-leaf clovers. (We tried this during winter holiday clubs but using candle wax, and had a lot of fun with our interpretations!) It may be more certain to exchange lucky charms directly, not just clover, but horseshoes, even pigs - as they do in Austria, or just drop a gold ring into your cava like they do in Spain - being sure to fish it out before you gulp it down with the bubbles!


Finally, some customs simply reflect a sense of fun and adventure. Walking around the block with a suitcase at midnight is common in Mexico and Argentina, as a way to manifest a year full of travel. While we might laugh at the sight of neighbours circling their gardens with luggage, the optimism behind the act is infectious and I for one will be digging out a suitcase and hoping not to get drenched (or spotted) in the act at midnight tonight! The Danes sound like they have the most fun though - smashing plates against friends doors and jumping off chairs at midnight - all to bring good fortune for the year ahead!


Exploring these traditions reveals more than just quirky customs. They remind us of our shared humanity: the desire to hope, to celebrate, to bring good fortune on ourselves and on others, and to have a fresh start. So this New Year, why not borrow an idea or two? You've still time to enjoy any of these rituals from around the world, perhaps most enjoyably eating 12 grapes with the midnight bells - just make sure they're small, seedless and ideally skinned, if you've time!


Wishing you and yours a fantastic year ahead, but first, sweep up, let go, look forward, eat lentils and be merry!

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