Who is ready to ring in the New Year and get rid of this crazy 2020? No question about it, this year has been one for the books and no matter how you choose to celebrate, you probably have a New Year’s Eve tradition or two. From popping open the bubbly, to watching the ball drop to watching the amazing fireworks displays which are some of the most common traditions we see here in the United States. However around the world, cultures welcome the change of the calendar with unique New Year’s traditions of their own.Since we aren't traveling there this year, we thought we would share some of our favorite New Year’s traditions around the world.
Spain- In Spain, it is customary to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight . Each grape represents good luck for each month in the new year. Some choose to do this tradition at home while others gather in large main squares and ring in the new year together.
Denmark- Gather your old plates and glasses and head over to your family and friends houses, as the tradition in Denmark is to throw old plates and glasses against the doors to banish the bad spirits or bad mojo of the year before. When this is done, residents of Denmark also stand on chairs together and leap off them at the stroke of midnight. Talk about leaping into the new year together.
Greece- An onion is traditionally hung on the front door on New Year’s Eve. This symbolizes rebirth and hope for the coming year. Parents are said to wake their children on New Year’s Day by tapping them on the head with the onion. (Not sure we recommended this especially with teenagers- :))
Ireland- Grab a hard loaf of crusty bread and join the Irish in the tradition of banging bread against the walls of your home. This is done so that any bad luck and evil spirits are chased away and good luck is invited in. The Irish also believe by doing this tradition that the coming year will be filled with an abundance of food, especially bread.
Italy- Italians have a tradition of making sure that they are wearing red underwear to ring in the New Year (this is after the feast that Italian’s have on New Year’s Eve). The color red, in Italian culture, is associated with fertility and so people wearing it under their clothes helps them to conceive in the coming year.
Russia- Grab your glass and fill it with ashes.. Yes, ashes (but not human or anything super gross, :). The tradition is to write your wishes for the coming year on a piece of paper, then burn that paper with a candle. Simply scoop up those ashes, place in a glass of your favorite champagne and ring in the New Year.
Well there you have it! So many exciting and interesting ways to ring in the New Year. No matter how you choose to this year, be sure to raise your glass and say your goodbyes to one of the most surreal years we have ever seen. Here is hoping for a 2021 that is filled with nothing but happiness and joy. From all of us here at Portovino, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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