New Year’s Traditions

Written by: Anna Pafenberg

In many Western cultures, New Year’s Eve is celebrated on December thirty-first, and the first day of the year is January first. The new year symbolizes new beginnings and a fresh start. Whether it be in the winter, spring, or fall, new year’s traditions around the world involve eating specific foods and spending time with family and friends. 

A popular tradition in Spain involves sitting under a table and eating grapes. This tradition is called uvas de la suerte, otherwise known as ‘lucky grapes’. Basically, you are supposed to eat one grape at each chime when the clock strikes twelve. If you finish your grapes in time you will have good luck for the rest of the year! It is sometimes said that red grapes will bring luck and green will bring wealth. Sometimes it is good to have a mixture of both. Some think this tradition stemmed from the wealthy eating grapes and wine in the nineteenth-century. Others believe it is because too many grapes were produced and farmers needed a way to sell them. Some modern spins on this tradition come from Tiktok and involve wearing red undergarments and sitting under a table while eating the grapes. 

Many different cultures also eat many different foods during their new year’s traditions. Pork is traditionally eaten because pigs scratch the ground moving forward which is a symbol of moving onward in the new year. They are also in season in the late fall and are widely available to eat. In eastern Europe cabbage is eaten because it symbolizes money. Cabbage in forms of sauerkraut and kimchi take weeks to ferment. If times are right, the fermentation will start in the fall and be ready on new year’s day! Champagne is also tied to new year’s. Traces of champagne consumption can date back to the Roman empire. It is made of grapes and is a symbol of celebration.

In New York City, USA, there is a special ball drop in Times Square at midnight. There is also lots of food, champagne, and fireworks. The Jewish New Year, which is called Rash Hashana, is celebrated in September. Their celebrations include an apple dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet year! The Chinese New Year is usually celebrated from late January to early February. Their New Year includes fireworks, dragons, and like many other places and cultures, lots of food.

All in all, the New Year is celebrated at many different times in many different ways. All are special through their own traditions and foods. Be sure to have a sweet New Year filled with lots of luck thanks to these cultural traditions.