8 New Year Traditions
People around the world celebrate New Year in many different ways. Some traditions are loud and exciting, while others are quiet and meaningful. From eating special foods to wearing lucky clothes, these customs help people welcome a fresh start. In this article, you will learn about unique New Year’s traditions from different countries and what they mean.
1. Denmark: Smashing Plates
In Denmark, people welcome the New Year by smashing old plates and dishes against the doors of friends and family. The more broken dishes you find outside your door in the morning, the more popular and well-loved you will be. While it may look messy, the tradition symbolises friendship, loyalty, and good luck.
2. Brazil: Dressing in White
In Brazil, many people wear white clothes on New Year’s Eve to attract peace and good fortune. At midnight, people gather on beaches and jump over seven ocean waves while making wishes. Each wave represents a different wish for the coming year. Flowers are often thrown into the sea as offerings to Yemanjá, the goddess of the ocean.
3. Italy: Eating Lentils
In Italy, lentils are an important New Year’s food. They are often eaten just after midnight, sometimes with sausage. Lentils are small and round, similar to coins, and symbolise wealth and financial success. The more lentils you eat, the more money you are believed to earn in the coming year.
4. Japan: Long Noodles
Japanese New Year, called Shōgatsu, is one of the most important holidays in Japan. Families clean their homes, eat special foods, and visit temples or shrines to pray for good luck. Many people eat long noodles called toshikoshi soba on New Year’s Eve to wish for a long life. On New Year’s Day, people relax, spend time with family, and enjoy traditional meals together.
5. Russia: Writing Wishes
In Russia, some people write a wish on a small piece of paper on New Year’s Eve. Just before midnight, the paper is burned, and the ashes are dropped into a glass of champagne. The drink is then consumed before the clock finishes striking twelve. If done correctly, the wish is believed to come true
6. China: The Color Red
In China families gather for large reunion dinners, and children receive red envelopes filled with money. The color red symbolises luck and protection. Fireworks are set off to scare away bad spirits and welcome a fresh beginning. The celebration focuses on family, respect, and hope for the future.
7. Spain & Latin America: Twelve Grapes
In Spain and many Latin American countries, people celebrate the New Year by eating twelve grapes at midnight. One grape is eaten with each of the final twelve clock chimes, and each grape represents one month of the coming year. Successfully eating all twelve grapes before the last chime is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
8. The Philippines: Polka Dots
In the Philippines, New Year’s Eve celebrations focus on round shapes, which symbolise money and prosperity. Many people wear polka-dot clothing, as the circular patterns resemble coins. Homes are often decorated with twelve round fruits placed on the table, such as oranges, grapes, and melons, with each fruit representing one month of the year.
Listening Activity
The audio you will hear is very similar to the reading text on this page, but it is not exactly the same. For each country, there are three small mistakes in the audio. Your job is to listen carefully and find the three words that are different from the text.
For example, in the Denmark text you read:
“the doors of friends and family”
But, in the audio you will hear:
“the doors of NEIGHBORS and family”
Conversation
How do you usually celebrate New Year’s Eve?
Do you prefer celebrating at home or going out? Why?
Do you eat special food for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day?
Are there any lucky foods or colors in your culture?
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? What are they usually about?
What do you hope for in the new year?
Realated Lessons
