New Year’s Eve is a Holiday celebrated by everyone, regardless of ethnicity or age. Some common traditions include making resolutions for the new year, watching fireworks displays, and attending parties. The earliest record of festivities dates back 4,000 years to ancient Babylon. For the Babylonians, the first new moon signaled the start of the New Year.
Traditions can look different worldwide: for example, in Spain, people bolt down a dozen grapes right before midnight – this shows their hopes for the months ahead. In many English-speaking countries, a song called “Auld Lang Syne” is sung to welcome the new year. The most iconic New Year’s tradition in the United States is dropping a giant ball in New York City’s Times Square the second the countdown reaches zero to midnight, and the clock changes to the following year. Millions of people all over the world watch the event on television, if not in person. This tradition has taken place almost every year since 1907. This tradition is so popular that some other towns have developed their versions of the Times Square Event with alternatives to the big metal ball, such as pickles in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, and possums in Tallapoosa, Georgia.
Some ancient traditions specific to culture and heritage are still celebrated today, such as the Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year. This tradition originated over 3,000 years ago during the Shang Dynasty and is a way of celebrating the new beginnings of spring. Later, it became entangled with myths and legends. Usually, these festivities last around 15 days, during which people clean their houses to rid them of bad luck.
Dishes also vary; most dishes include legumes, which are thought to boost future financial success; examples include lentils In Italy and black-eyed peas in the United States. In Portugal, Pork is eaten to symbolize progress and prosperity; other countries that also do this include Cuba and Austria. Pastries represent the year coming in full circle to the Netherlands, Mexico, and Greece. Lastly, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is served in Sweden and Norway; the tradition says whoever finds the almond can expect 12 months of good fortune.
In conclusion, there is history behind all New Year’s traditions celebrated today, and it’s never too late to start new ones!
To learn more click https://www.history.com/news/5-ancient-new-years-celebrations