Okay, so Christmas is over. Maybe you have a few lingering relatives but the BIG DEAL is done. What comes next is a refresh, a restart button if you will. Perhaps you want to work off those extra pounds you gained during the holidays, or just to start living a better life. It all starts in the new year.
Most likely, you have plans for New Year’s Eve: a party you’re hosting or one you’re attending. You will probably cluster around the TV at midnight like millions of other Americans and watch a massive ball… drop.
For some reason, our country finds this spectacle particularly amusing, but it’s nothing crazy compared to the traditions of some other countries. Here are just a few ways that people around the world will celebrate this year.
Siberia
In true Siberian fashion, this New Year’s Eve tradition involves frozen things. A hole is cut in an iced-over lake. Then brave, professional divers jump into the sub zero waters, carrying a tree. Honestly, this really doesn’t sound like a fun way to start off the year.
South Africa
Spring cleaning a few months early! “Throw it out the window” must be a commonly shouted term on New Year’s Eve. This country celebrates the year with a furniture cleansing. Don’t like that chair? “Throw it out the window!”
The logistics of this are a tad confusing. Does the furniture just sit there? Or is the throwing out the window just an easy way to get old furniture out of the house?
Venice
In St. Mark’s square, the awesome fireworks display will impress you. But, if you’re not prepared, the mass-kissing might catch you a little off guard!!
Romania
Where do you even get bear costumes? Maybe in Romania they have a bear skin supply store, because this tradition involves donning your best and dancing in front of different houses – much like Christmas caroling, one might assume. This ritual is thought to ward off evil spirits for the year.
Spain
Stock up on grapes a few days before New Years! In Spain, it’s common to try and stuff your mouth full of twelve grapes, one for each chime of the clock at midnight. Sounds like fun, actually. As long as you like grapes.
Scotland
The Scottish celebrate their viking roots by parading through the streets swinging massive balls of… fire? This very dangerous New Years Eve celebration would undoubtedly be fun to watch, but maybe not quite as fun to participate in.
Chile
Chileans in Central Chile, Talca, celebrate the coming year a bit more somberly than kissing and grape eating. They spend the evening gathered in a graveyard for together time with their deceased relatives. The graveyard even plays classic music to set the mood for reminiscing.
This year, maybe try starting one of your own weird traditions. Something with shock value, something a little more exciting than watching a huge ball drop down a pole. What does that mean anyway??
Happy New Year to all!
-The Alternative Daily
