New Years customs are alike in some respects. The time is a bit different due to the lunar calendars or one like ours but what seems to be most significant is the desire for peace in the majority places of the world. Family values and traditions are the important leaders along with religious beliefs.
Kissing on New Years Eve when the clock strikes twelve continues to be a popular event in many countries. What is a slap or two when it’s all in the life of the party?
Noise is fairly common also. That dates back in ancient China when parades of lavish costumes, dancing dragons and firecrackers are quite a show for all to enjoy. But did you wonder what the noise makers and the demon dragon displays are all about? It’s because evil spirits dislike noise! Peach blossoms bring beauty and peace. Shoppers in the markets buy fruits for the family and kumquats for good luck in China. This all happens between January 21 and February 20 of the lunar calendar.
England too has a tradition of listening for the musical tones of Big Bend dinging out the Westminster chimes at the stroke of twelve to bring in the New Year. Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus host timely celebrations while children delight is entertaining all by singing Auld Lang Syne.
Germany has a most unusual custom of predicting good fortune by spilling molten lead in cold water. If the particles of lead are in the shape of a penny, it means wealth and good food.
Leave it to the Dutch to add in the festivities with logic. On New Years they burn their Christmas trees. That not only signals the refresh start that replenishes the forest but it cleans house at the same time. Also, it drives off the old year spirits.
The Portuguese have an unusual custom at New Years. They pick and eat twelve grapes at twelve o’clock! Then the children go out caroling.
Jewish New Years varies each year with Rosh Hashanah lunisolar period of the first two days of the seventh month. Also, it is the custom for farmers to visit Jerusalem before the rains come. Then all must account to God for their behavior. Yon Kippur offers ten days for apologies.
In Poland New Years is a large celebration as Saint Sylvester Eve. That tradition dates back one thousand years when the Pope escapes from imprisonment by the evil dragon Levittan. That saved the land and people before the dragon devours all and sets fire to the heavens to cause the end of the world.
Sri Lanka’s New Years is celebrated by breaking your neighbor’s coconuts. This happens on April thirteenth and fourteenth. Also sweets to be eaten and games such as cricket (cudu) are enjoyed.
Likely none can top the drop of the lighted crystal ball high above Times Square in New York City. Millions watch on television and hundreds of thousands crowd Times Square to bring in the New Year on the eve.
All over the world, each country has its own customs and traditions. Most are slightly unlike while the others and some are quite different. But the exception is hope and peace. May all those resolutions come true.
Bob Jamison wishes to all the Happiest of New Years and peace on earth. God bless our military and welcome home!
jbobalong@yahoo.com
