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New Year celebrations vary with every culture or religion because they are based on their own calendars. Some celebrate their new year based on their historical legends, some celebrate based on historical events, and some on the solar or lunar equinox. No matter the reason, each country has its own cultural traditions and customs to celebrate leaving the old year and entering the new year.
New Year celebrations vary with every culture or religion because they are based on their own calendars. Some celebrate their new year based on their historical legends, some celebrate based on historical events, and some on the solar or lunar equinox. No matter the reason, each country has its own cultural traditions and customs to celebrate leaving the old year and entering the new year.
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year
In China, each year in the lunar calendar is represented by an animal, which according to legend, were the only 12 out of all the animals to see Buddha before he left Earth. Red lanterns are hung on houses and decorate the streets. Firecrackers are thrown on the ground by a large silk dragon leading parades of people carrying red lanterns. This dragon, the symbol of strength, hibernates throughout the year, so firecrackers are thrown to wake him up.
Click on the flag to make your own Chinese Paper Lantern for the next Lunar New Year!
Hogmanay
Hogmanay
In Scotland, the last day of the year is celebrated with traditional food and customs. You will have bad luck if you enter the new year with a dirty house, and for good luck, the first foot upon your door step should be a male with dark hair bearing symbolic gifts of food. Dark hair is welcome, where as blonde hair is associated with the days of Viking raids. Bonfires, dancing, and drinking and eating haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties (potatoes) are all a part of the celebrations.
Click on the flag to learn more about the traditions and customs of Hogmanay!
Songkran
Songkran
Thailand's New Year's celebration is based on the Buddhist calendar. Held in April, this 3-day water festival has statues of Buddha paraded around, spouting water at crowds while people engage in large water fights together. Fish are also released in rivers and streams as acts of kindness. People also tie strings around each others wrists to show their respect to each other. These strings stay on until they naturally fall off the persons wrist.
Click on the flag for some fun activities to celebrate this holiday!
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah
The exact date of this Jewish holiday varies year to year on the Hebrew calendar, but this "first of the year" festival marks the beginning of the "Days of Awe" and the creation of the world. Observed for one or two days in September or October, Rosh Hashanah is the start of a 10-day period of prayer, introspection, making amends and doing good deeds that ends with Yom Kippur, the "Day of Atonement."
Click on the flag to learn how to properly celebrate this holiday!
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