Each country has its own specific ways of celebrating New Year’s. Why not go ahead and explore them? We know it’s one of our New Year’s resolutions this year!
Denmark
Let’s begin with our mother country, Denmark. Only few people know that Danes have quite a lot of traditions when it comes to celebrating Christmas and New Year’s - for instance that we jump from a couch or chair when the clock strikes midnight?! Or that we keep a pile of broken dishes in front of the door?! It symbolizes good luck and friendship, and though we have never personally done it, we’re sure that many people actually do!
A marzipan ring cake and champagne is served at midnight and some places also at 6pm when the Queen of Denmark makes her famous speech on Television.
Germany
The German way of celebrating New Year’s eve, or Silvester as they call it, resembles the Scandinavian way. However, it also includes a lot of noise, which is supposed to drive away evil spirits. The most famous firework display takes place at Brandenburger Tor, where thousands of people are gathering throughout the night. Germans love their doughnuts on New Year’s, but beware of the ones filled with mustard (a historical joke, which should be avoided if possible!)
Brazil
The fact that Brazil is one big party on New Year’s eve comes as no surprise. This party loving nation is world famous for their New Year’s gathering in Rio de Janeiro, where millions of people are gathering to dance and watch the fireworks along the coast of Copacabana. Everyone (well, most people anyway) are wearing white as it symbolized peace, and believe it or not - the underwear should be carefully selected on this particular night! Green is the color for good health, yellow symbolizes money, red is for passion and romance and so on.
China
The most important meal of the year for Chinese people is the New Year’s Eve dinner. Most people will gather at home with their family and fireworks at midnight plays an important role as well. It’s meant to drive away evil spirits - and the first one to launch the firework will be blessed with good luck in the new year. The color red is vital for Chinese people as it symbolized peace and protection from evil. Last, but not people will do a complete cleaning of their houses a few days before Chinese New Year’s. This means welcoming the new and starting over.
This time around Chinese New Year’s can be celebrated on February 19th 2015.
Scotland
In Scotland New Year’s is called ‘Hogmanay’. The country is also the birthplace of the traditional song ‘Auld Lang Syne’, which is the most common song to sing on New Year’s eve in the English-speaking part of the world. “First-footing” is an old tradition here, which is quite significant for Scotland; it means that neighbors visit each other shortly after mid night to impart New Year’s wishes. It’s considered especially lucky if a tall, dark and handsome man is the first one to enter your house after the new year is rung in. Now, that’s we call a great New Year’s tradition!
USA
Americans celebrate New Year’s on January 1st with friends and family. An abundance of great food and wine can be found in many homes, as it’s a symbol of hope for prosperity in the new year. Feasting on black-eyed beans is also common as it’s considered to bring luck. However, the most celebrated event is probably the one taking place at Times Square in New York! “The ball-drop” has been a tradition since 1907 and millions of people from all over the world flock here to experience the specially designed ball to drop at exactly 11:59pm.