All the presents have been unwrapped, and the Christmas hype is lingering to an end. Now everyone is getting ready for the new year, making resolutions and buying dangerous explosives to set off in front of their house for their amusement. What is done in the first moments of the new year can be crucial to the future in some cultures and have mysterious and profound effects on their lives in the coming year. Of course this is all a bunch of BS (or is it?), but some rituals sure are fun to do and learn about! Here are some crazy or strange New Year's traditions from around the world.
Broken plates = friendship
My favorite New Year's tradition comes from Denmark. They would collect all the dishes in the house and throw them at the front door. A lovely way to celebrate, right? I'm going to try it this year -- although my mom probably wouldn't appreciate that. Anyways, the more broken plates there were after this dish throwing fest, the more friends they would have in the new year. Can't you see the connection between the two? It's uncanny.
Evil is afraid of drums.
In China, drums and cymbals are beat and played to scare away all evil as the new year comes in.
Molten lead tells the future.
In Germany, people drop molten lead into cold water and see what shape it takes. The shape brings with it a message, foreshadowing what will happen in the coming year.
Stand on a chair and jump.
Just 'cause. This is common in Denmark, and it sounds like great fun. There is nothing that says this will bring you good luck, but as long as you don't break your leg in the process, you'd be starting off the new year on the right foot.
Evil is also afraid of bells.
In Japan, temple bells are rung exactly 108 times to scare off the evil (of course). Also, it has to be 108. Why? Don't ask questions.
Sit back and watch the sky explode.
Watch pretty light explosions in the sky just because. It's cool. And set off explosives in your front yard! (You know, if it's legal.)
Invite a handsome man over to your house.
In the U.K. it is good luck for the first visitor of the new year to be a tall, handsome, specifically dark-haired, male. Make sure to inspect the hair and interrogate him and ask if it's his natural color. If not, it doesn't count. Blondies don't come with luck. They're imposters -- wannabe luck bearers. In fact, in Wales it is bad luck if a redhead is the first man to visit the house. Sorry, guys. This man shall bring a bottle of whiskey, a loaf of bread, coal, and salt. He's kind of like an attractive version of Santa Claus. No wonder it's a tradition -- maybe it's just a little something for the ladies.
I hope you learned something new about different superstitions and traditions from around the world. Whatever you do to celebrate, have fun and don't break too many things.
