This New Year we will all be celebrating in a joyous way that we might have never experienced before. To say that 2020 was a bit rough and we are desperate for a change would be an understatement.
There are the classic ways to say hello to the New Year such as a kiss at midnight, champagne, dressing up in festive attire, or fireworks.
I wanted to highlight some fun New Year’s traditions from around the world that we could integrate into our festivities this year. Traditions that will hopefully bring a lot of luck in 2021! Also, I could use a bit of armchair travel at this point 🙂
Spain: Eating twelve grapes at midnight, one for each month in the year, to bring fortune and prosperity in the coming year. The tradition started in the 1800’s by the vine growers in the Alicante area to sell more grapes at the end of the year.
Italy: In Italy they welcome in the New Year by wearing red underwear. The color red is associated with fertility and good luck. This tradition started back in the medieval times (apparently) when men would wear a red loin cloth over their “family jewels” to protect themselves from witches who would cast spells on them and cause trouble. Even if this isn’t 100% true I plan to believe this.
Greece: The Greeks believe onions are a symbol of rebirth. They hang an onion on their front door to usher in a year of growth. The onion has long been associated with development and one of the main characteristics of the vegetable is to grow roots and keep growing.
Colombia: When the clock strikes midnight Colombians run around the block with an empty suitcase in hand. They believe this will usher in a year of travel. Since I have not traveled in almost a year I will get ALL my luggage out this year and running around the block as fast as I can.
Happy New Year to everyone and do what you need to do to celebrate!
