New Year’s Eve is celebrated on December 31st, the final night of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. In many parts of the world, New Year’s Eve is celebrated at night during social gatherings. This day is observed to mark the end of the year.
Since 2000 BC, the idea of celebrating the start of a New Year was present. Although, initially New Year’s Day was celebrated during the time of the vernal-equinox which takes place in mid-March. This was a result of using the early Roman calendar which at the time had only ten months, March being the first. Later, two more months (Lanuarius and Februarius) were added to the calendar, making a total of twelve months. In 153 BC, the month of Lanuarius or the January Kalends (the first day of the month) came to be observed as the start of the new year. Although, some people continued celebrating the start of a new year around March.
In 1582, following the error in the Julian Calendar, Pope Gregory XIII encouraged the use of the Gregorian calendar. This calendar restored January 1st as the start of the new year. Most countries began celebrating the new year on the eve of December 31st, and continued until past midnight into January 1st.
While some people celebrate this holiday at parties or social gatherings with families and friends, some Christians attend late-night church services. Traditions for observing this holiday differ from one region to the next, depending on local cultures.
In Spain, people celebrate this holiday by fastening a dozen grapes to symbolize the hopes they have for the coming months of the new year. Other traditions include the use of lentils (Italy) and black-eyed peas (U.S.) to symbolize future success. Other foods which are common during this period include pork, which represents prosperity in some communities in Cuba, Hungary, Austria, Portugal, or rice pudding with a hidden almond inside, as practiced in Sweden and Norway.
Below is a list of more countries and their New Year’s Eve traditions:
Algeria
In Algeria, New Year’s Eve is celebrated among friends and family. In large cities, especially popular tourist destinations, this holiday is celebrated by attending concerts, parties, fireworks display and so on. At 8:00 p.m., the president’s message to the citizens is aired and the EPTV network annually tailors a New Year’s Eve entertainment program. Additionally, pastries referred to “la buche” are served with black coffee or soda in preparation for the New Year’s countdown.
Argentina
Traditionally on New Year’s Eve, family and friends come together to enjoy traditional dishes before heading to the streets to enjoy a display of fireworks.
Brazil
In Brazil, New Year’s Eve marks the start of the summer holiday which ends during Shrovetide. Usually, this day is celebrated at the beach, where participants wear white clothes to attract good luck in the coming year. Fireworks displays, dining with family members, music festivals and so on are very common.
Canada
Similar to New Year’s Eve traditions observed in the United States, Canada welcomes the new year with social gatherings, fireworks displays, and concerts. However, since 1992, the Royal Canadian Air Farce, Canada's number one sketch comedy troupe, started broadcasting annual programs centered on this holiday on the CBC TV network.
Mexico
In Mexico, the common tradition is eating a grape, usually 12, with each chime of a clock’s bell during the countdown at midnight. Additionally, houses and parties are decorated to match a person’s wishes for the upcoming year.
United States
In the U.S., activities on New Year’s Eve include attending family gatherings, formal parties, fireworks displays, and so on. The most significant celebration of this holiday includes the ‘ball drop’ which was influenced by time balls initially used as time signals.
On the other hand, the Roman Catholic Church in the U.S. celebrates January 1st in solemnity, honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary. Therefore, it is a Holy Day of Obligation which means Catholics are expected to attend mass. In most cases, the mass is observed as a vigil, on the night before January 1st. Other denominations, including Lutherans, Methodists and the African-American communities established a custom referred to as “Watch Night”. The Watch Night is a church service that is held from December 31st to January 1st and involves giving thanks for blessings and seeking favour for the coming year from God.
China
In China, although the Lunar New Year comes a few weeks after the Gregorian New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve is celebrated in some parts, especially in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.
Japan
In Japan, this holiday marks the preparation and welcoming of Toshigami, the god of New Year’s Eve. On this day, houses are cleaned and Kadomatsu or Shimenawa prepare to welcome the god. At midnight, Buddhist temples ring bells 108 times to represent the 108 elements of bono. Other traditions include concerts, fireworks displays, releasing helium balloons into the air, and more.
Korea
In Korea, both the Lunar and Solar New Year are celebrated. The Solar New Year is observed on January 1st, while the other varies. Both South Korea and North Korea observe this holiday by eating special soup referred to as Tteok-Guk, holding social gatherings, and fireworks displays.
Philippines
In the Philippines, New Year’s Eve is a designated non-working holiday where friends and family gather and visit churches or attend year-end services. Some people wear new, brightly coloured clothes, display sweets or display 12 round fruits centerpiece representing each month of the year.
Singapore
In Singapore, the Marina Bay New Year’s Eve celebration attracts more than 250,000 people. Other celebrations include fireworks displays, concerts and visual art displays that are filled with brilliant colours.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, decorated streets, fireworks displays, and concerts are common. In Sarajevo, people gather to listen to local bands as a form of entertainment.
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