New Year's Traditions Around the World and Throughout History

All around the world people celebrate the coming of a new year with traditions from their country. Although some of the celebrations are not held at the same time as others, they often include traditions of religious celebrations, parades and costume parties. They also include customs that are believed to bring good luck in the New Year.

Early Romans welcomed the New Year in March, the time of the spring equinox, as did the ancient Babylonians. The flooding of the Nile, which usually occurred in June, marked the New Year for ancient Egyptians, who would sing, dance and feast for a month to welcome the waters that would nourish the crops and bring life to the otherwise dry desert.

In South America, "Ano Viejo" is celebrated by creating a fake person or dummy. The scarecrow looking person is completely dressed and stuffed with old newspapers and firecrackers. It is usually placed outside the home. At midnight, each family lights their dummy on fire. As the dummy goes up in smoke, the firecrackers ignite to add to the festivities.

Most modern celebrations view the New Year as a time of joyous celebration with gatherings marked by an abundance of food, drink, music and dancing. No other country in the world probably rings in the New Year as Scotland does with the celebration of Hogmanay (hog-mah-nay). On December 31, family and friends hold open houses and wait for the "first foot" to enter the home after midnight. It is believed that good luck and prosperity will come if a dark-haired gentleman is the first to cross the threshold on New Years Day.

In Japan, the New Year's preparations begin in December and end January 3. Houses are cleaned from top to bottom and postcards are sent to friends, family, and business clients to express thanks and best wishes for the New Year ahead. Traditional meals consist of long soba noodles, which are to be eaten without breaking them to ensure long life. It is also believed to be a favorable omen if a person dreams of Mount Fuji, a hawk or an eggplant on New Year's Eve.
People of Jewish faith actually have two New Year celebrations. One for the country and one for the Jewish New Year known as Rosh Hashanah which is usually celebrated in September. It lasts one or two days beginning at sundown on one day and ends at sundown the next. They recite the blessing called "kiddush" over wine and egg bread called "callah". The callah is crown shaped to symbolize that God is in heaven; it is also smooth to bring hope for a smooth new year. At the synagogue the "shofar" (a rams' horn) is blown to remind people to think about their past year of sins and pray for forgiveness. Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of 10 days of prayer and worshipping God and praying to become better people in the New Year.

The Chinese New Year and the Vietnamese "Tet" traditions are very similar. On New Years Day, gifts are exchanged and some homes make a "money tree" which is decorated with old coins and paper flowers. On the third day of celebrations, the Lion Dance begins on the fifth day. Men dress in lion costumes and participate in a parade. The men climb on top of each other to form a human ladder to reach "lucky money" that is tied in high places.

The Dragon Dance is held around the third day of the New Year. Dragonheads are made of paper-mache with long fabric bodies. Several men underneath maneuver the dragon through the streets. Families open their doors to allow the dragon to bring luck to their homes. Prominently displayed throughout the celebration is the color red which is considered lucky. Firecrackers are used because they are thought to scare away the evil spirit Shen-sau so the celebrations are very noisy with people shouting and beating drums.

One thing that is common in many New Years celebration is the use of alcohol, which in many cases results in drunk driving. In response to this, alcohol - free "First Night" celebrations have been popping up in cities all over America. These generally involve dancing, music and other family activities. It really does not matter how you celebrate the New Year as long as you do it safely. If you are going to drink, select a designated driver. If you become intoxicated at a party find someone to drive you home or spend the night. The best way to start the New Year off is to be alive.