Every new year is a time of expectations, resolutions and hopes for a better tomorrow. Although the calendar changes, interesting customs related to this special period have survived in many cultures and traditions. From ancient rituals to modern celebrations, welcoming the new year is a real feast for the senses and the spirit. In this article, we will discover the most interesting traditions and surprising prophecies that accompany this magical event.
New Year's Eve Party: The Roots and Evolution of Tradition
Although today New Year's Eve is associated with loud parties and fireworks, its roots go back much further into the past. According to legend, in 999 the apocalypse described by St. John in the Bible was expected. However, when midnight came and nothing happened, Pope Sylvester II blessed Rome and the entire Christian world. City dwellers took to the streets to celebrate joyfully. In Poland, this tradition gradually spread in the 19th century, initially among the wealthy, and later also among the poorer classes of society.
New Year's prophecies and predictions
The belief that what happens on New Year's Day will have an impact on the entire coming year is deeply rooted in many cultures. That is why during this period people pay close attention to various signs and phenomena to predict what the future will bring. Here are some of the most interesting New Year's prophecies and omens:
The first person to cross the threshold
According to tradition, if the first person to cross the threshold of a house on New Year's Eve after midnight is a dark-haired man, then much luck will enter with him. On the other hand, men with flat feet, cross-eyed or redheads, like women, bring bad luck if they are the first to cross the threshold.
Opening doors and winding clocks
An important custom is to open the doors just before midnight so that the Old Year can leave the house and the New Year can enter. Equally important is to quickly wind the clocks after midnight to ensure the house has good fortune for the coming year.
Carp scale and egg in water
Popular New Year's fortune telling includes placing a scale from a Christmas Eve carp in your wallet on December 31st. This is supposed to guarantee prosperity in the coming year. Another tradition is to place an egg in a glass of water just before midnight - the bubbles that appear on the surface are supposed to indicate financial prosperity.
Burning memories and dancing in the open air
To get rid of old problems and worries, people would write them down on red paper and burn them just before midnight. It was believed that the flame would destroy negative memories. In addition, dancing outdoors, especially around the tree, was supposed to bring happiness in love, wealth and health in the coming year.
New Year's traditions in different cultures
While many New Year's customs are common to many countries, each culture also has its own unique rituals.
Greece: onion on the door
In Greece, onions are placed on doors on New Year's Eve to symbolize rebirth in the new year . On January 1, parents gently tap their children on the forehead with onions to bring them good fortune for the coming year.
Spain: eating grapes
New Year's Eve in Spain is spent with family until midnight, and when the clock strikes twelve, everyone eats 12 grapes in turn. With each fruit, you have to make a wish.
Dishes: breaking plates
In Denmark, an interesting custom is breaking plates. Throwing as many as possible is supposed to ensure a lot of friends in the coming year.
New Year's Resolutions: A Tradition That Dwells in Antiquity
Making promises and resolutions for the new year is a custom that dates back to antiquity. In ancient Babylon, the new year was celebrated in March, and the celebrations lasted 12 days. The Babylonians elected a new king, made sacrifices in honor of their gods, and pledged to repay borrowed funds. It was believed that failure to keep a promise could bring the wrath of the gods.
For Christians, the new year was an opportunity to take stock of life so far and decide to change. Today, making New Year's resolutions is still a popular tradition, although achieving them can be a challenge.
Chinese New Year : Lunar Cycle and Animal Symbolism
While many countries celebrate the new year on January 1, Chinese culture celebrates the more important Chinese New Year , which falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. The date changes each year, but always falls between January 21 and February 20.
Chinese New Year is associated with the lunar cycle and the symbolism of 12 animals. Each year is assigned to one of the animals, such as the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. It is believed that the characteristics of a given animal will influence the character and fate of people born that year.
New Year's Eve attractions: from fireworks to champagne
Although New Year's Eve is primarily a time for fun, it also has its symbolic accents. Champagne, which rises at midnight, symbolizes something special and the celebration of success. Along with fireworks and fireworks, it is champagne that is the determinant of a successful New Year's Eve party.
An interesting fact is that Napoleon Bonaparte was a big fan of this drink. He said that every battle won deserves champagne. The French commander, together with his army, invented a method of opening bottles, the so-called sabrage, which involved cutting off the cork with a sabre.
New Year's Wishes: From Traditional to Contemporary
Wishing for the new year is a beautiful tradition that has survived to this day. Although the formulas have changed, the intention remains the same - to wish each other prosperity, health and fulfillment of dreams.
In the past, the old Polish phrase "Do siego roku" was used in Poland, which meant a wish for a happy, prosperous year. Nowadays, wishes such as "Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku !", "Wszystkiego najlepsza w Nowego Roku !" or "May the New Year bring you much joy and fulfillment" are popular.
Regardless of the form, New Year's wishes are intended to give encouragement, hope and positive energy for the coming months.
Summary
New Year is a time full of traditions, customs and prophecies that have accompanied people for centuries. From ancient rituals to modern celebrations, each culture has its own unique ceremonies associated with this special moment. New Year is a time of change, reflection and new opportunities. Discovering these fascinating customs allows us not only to better understand our cultural heritage, but also to draw inspiration from it for the coming months.
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