New Year's Celebrations Around the World

In Ecuador, there is a very popular tradition celebrated by most people known as the burning of the “año viejo,” which translates to the “old year.” As mentioned on happygringo.com, Ecuadorians bring effigies or as they call them Manigotes, which are sculptures or models of people, of many different icons such as politicians, celebrities, and cartoon characters to torch in the streets at midnight. This ceremony is performed because it is seen as a symbol of purifying the negativity from the last twelve months before the new year begins, so that the new year begins positively. Some even jump the flames twelve times, risking their lives. According to life-in-ecuador.com, men dance in the streets dressed as widows on New Year’s Eve. They’re also known as the “viudas,” which translates to “widows.” They beg for money and typically spend it on alcoholic beverages. They are very insistent and will block the roads with their dancing until you pay them. Two smaller traditions also practiced are wearing yellow or red underwear and running with a suitcase around the block. By wearing yellow underwear on New Year’s Eve, you increase your chances of having prosperity in the new year, and wearing red underwear means you’ll find love. Running around the block with a suitcase at midnight is said to help you be successful during your travels. All of these different traditions would make Ecuador a very interesting place to spend New Year’s! 

In Peru, people have many unique traditions for New Year’s Eve. One of their many traditions is to eat twelve grapes when the clock strikes twelve. Each grape represents each month to come and you get one wish per grape. In addition, according to aracari.com, Peruvians place three potatoes under a chair and choose one of the potatoes at midnight. One potato is peeled, one is half-peeled, and one is unpeeled. Once the potato is chosen randomly, it will then reflect your financial state during the new year. The peeled potato represents bad fortune, the half-peeled potato represents an average year, and an unpeeled potato represents a good year. It is also a common tradition for people to eat lentils on New Year’s Day to increase their chance of prosperity. Peruvians will typically sprinkle rice around their house to bring money, luck, and fertility. They use lentils, wheat, and cinnamon to fill their friends’ pockets and bring them money, prosperity, and love. Some also believe that writing down five wishes and dipping them in champagne will make them come true. The variety of traditions in Peru are incredible and having a chance to make your wishes come true is just amazing. 

In Greece, there are a variety of traditions that many citizens are fond of. As mentioned in greekreporter.com, On New Year’s Eve, children get up early and go around their neighborhood singing the Kalanda, a Greek Christmas carol, and play the triangle. People usually give the kids money, and the songs are thought to bless the home. Some people play cards for most of the day, as it is a fun activity, and New Year’s is considered a day of good luck. Greeks start playing early in the evening and usually keep playing until midnight in Kafenions, which are coffee shops. Another amazing tradition is the smashing of pomegranates. In Greek tradition, people hang a pomegranate above their door throughout Christmas, and when the clock strikes twelve on New Year’s Eve, they turn off the lights and the pomegranate is smashed. The more seeds that spill onto the floor, the better, as this ensures luck, health, happiness, and prosperity for the new year. According to greekerthanthegreeks.com, Greeks will sometimes hang an onion above the doors in their house and wrap the bulb with foil. The onion continues to grow layers and is said to have magical powers since it represents the symbol of rebirth. It’s taken down at midnight on New Year’s Eve and the children of the family are wacked on the head with it on the morning of New Year’s Day. Talk about a fun start to the new year. The onion stays in the house until the next New Year to bring longevity, health, and luck. I don’t know how I would feel about having an old onion hanging in the doorway, but nonetheless, I find all of these traditions fascinating.