How New Year's Day is celebrated globally
New Year's Day marks the beginning of a new life for the world. It is mostly seen as a time of celebration, reflection, and renewal across the globe.
Despite the collective spirit behind the New Year's arrival, how different cultures and countries celebrate this occasion are diverse.
Here’s a peek into how New Year's Day is celebrated around the world:
Japan
In Japan, New Year's Day, or Shogatsu, is one of the most important holidays. Preparations begin in December with house cleaning and decorating. On New Year's Eve, families gather to eat toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodles) and listen to the ringing of temple bells 108 times which symbolises the cleansing of 108 earthly desires. New Year's Day is spent visiting shrines, enjoying special foods like osechi ryori, and giving children money in envelopes called otoshidama.
Brazil
In Brazil, New Year's Eve, known as Réveillon, is celebrated with beach parties, fireworks, and music. In Rio de Janeiro, millions gather on Copacabana Beach dressed in white for good luck. Many people also jump seven waves and make wishes for the new year, a tradition rooted in Afro-Brazilian culture.
United States
The United States welcomes the New Year with parties, fireworks, and the iconic ball drop in Times Square, New York City. As the clock strikes midnight, people cheer, kiss, and sing "Auld Lang Syne." New Year's Day often involves parades, such as the famous Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, and watching college football bowl games.
Spain
The New Year is welcomed with the tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock, to bring good luck for each month of the coming year in Spain. This is often followed by parties that last until the early hours of the morning. The celebration continues on January 6th with El Día de los Reyes (Three Kings' Day), which includes parades and gift-giving.
South Africa
In South Africa, New Year's Eve is celebrated with street parties, fireworks, and music festivals. In Cape Town, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront hosts a grand celebration with live performances and a spectacular fireworks display. New Year's Day is often spent with family and friends, enjoying barbecues known as braais.
China
Although the Gregorian New Year is observed, the most significant celebration in China is the Lunar New Year, which falls between January 21 and February 20. The festivities last for 15 days and include family reunions, feasts, dragon and lion dances, and the exchange of red envelopes containing money for good luck.
Scotland
In Scotland, New Year's Eve, known as Hogmanay, is celebrated with street parties, fireworks, and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." A unique tradition is first-footing, where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings gifts like coal, shortbread, or whisky to ensure good luck for the household.
