Can you imagine dropping a plate in front of your neighbor's door for the New Year! This is just one of the bizarre traditions that mark the transition to the new year!
It is difficult to say with certainty why specific New Year's traditions and celebrations became popular in some parts of the world, as the origins of many of these traditions are not well documented and difficult to trace. Some traditions may have developed over time, while others may have been adopted from other cultures.
One possible reason that many New Year's traditions involve food and drink is that they are often central to social gatherings and celebrations. Sharing food and drink is a way for people to bond and celebrate special occasions, and the start of a new year is certainly a special occasion.
Many New Year's traditions also involve making noise, such as lighting fireworks, blowing horns, or banging pots and pans. It can be a way to ward off evil spirits or simply to relax and celebrate the beginning of the new year.
In some cases, New Year's traditions may have a spiritual or superstitious element, such as visiting temples or shrines to pray for good luck or eating grapes as a way to attract good luck. These traditions may have developed as a way for people to try to influence the future or feel a sense of control over their lives.
In general, it is likely that a combination of cultural, social, and personal factors influence the popularity of certain New Year's traditions and celebrations.
Unique New Year's traditions and celebrations mentioned above:
In Denmark the tradition of throwing old plates and dishes in front of the doors of friends and family as a sign of good will and good luck in the new year is known as "throwing plates" or "breaking plates". It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century as a way for people to get rid of their old, broken crockery, but has since become a popular way to celebrate the start of the new year. To participate, people will collect old plates and dishes and throw them in front of the doors of their friends and family, making as much noise as possible. If the plates break, it is considered good luck, as it is said to symbolize the breaking of old, negative energy and the reception of new, positive energy.
In Scotland The celebration of New Year's Eve or Hogmanay is an important tradition that includes various customs and rituals. One of the most popular activities is the traditional Scottish ceilidh, a dance party with live music and dancing. Ceilidhs are held in villages and towns across Scotland and often include traditional Scottish music and dance styles such as the reel, jig and strathspey. Hogmanay celebrations also include other customs such as the custom of "First Footing", where people visit the homes of friends and family to bring good luck in the New Year, and the "Hogmanay Street Party", a large outdoor celebration that takes place on the streets of Edinburgh. and features music, fireworks and other entertainment.
In Spain and in much of Latin America it is customary to eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve, one for each stroke of the clock. This tradition is known as “las uvas de la suerte” or “lucky grapes” and is believed to bring good luck in the new year. To participate, people will pick a bunch and eat one grape at each strike of the clock as it counts down to midnight. It is said that if you eat all 12 grapes before the clock strikes midnight, you will have good luck in the new year.
In Germany is a tradition to throw or hang a pickle in the Christmas tree and whoever finds it on New Year's Day is said to have good luck for the year, a relatively new tradition that is said to have originated in the USA at the beginning of the 20th century. Legend has it that a poor glassblower in Germany couldn't afford decorations for his tree, so he made a pickle and hid it among the branches. On New Year's Day, his children found a pickle and were said to have good luck for the year. The tradition has since spread and is now practiced by many families in Germany and elsewhere.
In Japan is the celebration of the new year is an important tradition known as "oshogatsu". On New Year's Eve, many people visit temples and shrines to pray for luck and success in the new year. It is also common for people to participate in the traditional Japanese game of “hanetsuki”, which is similar to badminton. Hanetsuki is usually played by young girls and involves hitting a small, feathery ball back and forth with wooden paddles. The game is said to bring luck and fortune in the new year.
