Throwback Thursday: From ancient customs to New Year trees, welcoming a new year around the world

Last year’s final Throwback Thursday of the year was the 400-year-old story of
“Auld Lang Syne.” This week, as the year comes to a close, we thought it would be fun
to share some New Year’s traditions from around the world. With the arrival of a
new year comes new beginnings and opportunities. For thousands of years, cultures
across the globe have established habits that bring good luck to a new year.
When the Soviet Union was established in the early 20th century, Christmas trees were
banned. Instead, Russians decorated spruce trees for the New Year, finding a new
way to decorate a traditional Christmas tree. The idea of decorating a tree to
welcome the New Year has outlived the Soviet era.

Some common New Year traditions around the house can be simple. Open the
windows and doors to make sure the old year leaves and the new year can arrive.
Clean your home on New Year’s Eve, so good luck can stick around and not be
washed away on New Year’s Day.

Embrace your heritage around the New Year, too. These old customs still ring true
around the world. “Auld Lang Syne” is a Scottish song, and the Scots celebrate the
last day of the year with a huge party and holiday called Hogmanay, that originated
with Vikings thousands of years ago around the winter solstice. They believe it’s
good luck and should be celebrated if a tall, dark-haired man enters your home
bearing gifts on New Year’s Day.

Don’t forget New Year’s foods from around the world. Indulge in foods shaped like a
circle or rings, as they bring good fortune and coins of wealth around the year, like
donuts, bagels, pretzels, and beans. The famous Southern Cajun hoppin’ John recipe
calls for black beans, collard greens, ham and cornbread. Eating long noodles ensure
a long life, especially in Japan.

In South America and Europe, eat exactly 12 grapes to ring in the New Year. It brings
good fortune, as it was practiced by the wealthiest of the feudal era. The French
added champagne to the mix in the 1800s.

Some cultures even say the color of your underwear on New Year’s determines the
shape your year will take. White is peace, red is love, and yellow is for luck.
We wish you a very Happy New Year.