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This year I am going to be on top of my grades and make money.

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Students will be fascinated to know not every new year is celebrated on January 1. New Year traditions and celebrations around the world are celebrated at different points throughout the year in meaningful and fascinating ways, from firework-studded parades and festivals to quiet and respectful religious holidays.

Before delving in to this list of videos, visit Education World's "News For You" New Year Celebrations Around the World Lesson Plan. This lesson will introduce new words and phrases associated with the new year, and facts about cultural traditions from around the world. These videos compiled from YouTube are great compliments to your lessons.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is celebrated all over the world on December 31 with colorful parties and fireworks. In many countries, it's also known as "Old Year's Day" or "Saint Sylvester's Day." The ball drop tradition originated in New York City, U.S.A. in 1906, after the city banned fireworks shows. It is a common tradition to watch the ball drop from 11:59 p.m., and count down the final seconds to the new year.
25 Strangest New Year's Traditions From Around The World:
Source: list25

Grade Level: 3-8

Run Time: 4:08

Description: A compilation of 25 odd and interesting traditions celebrated in different countries from around the world. Some traditions include wearing colored underwear, smashing plates, and dropping ice cream on the floor.

Cool Factor: This video is a quick and simple walk through of fascinating, bizarre traditions with the interesting facts behind their meanings.​

Times Square Ball Drop 1976-2014
Source: Bash593

Grade Level: 2-8

Run Time: 16:29

Description: This video shows television ABC News broadcast clips of the midnight celebrations on New Year's Eve in New York City's Time Square from 1976-2014.

Cool Factor: Watching how NYE ball drop has progressed over the past forty years is fascinating journey through time. Students will get a taste of recent history and get a glimpse at how far technology has come from television broadcasting to spectacle displays. They'll also witness the hype and excitement surrounding the entrance into the new millennium, and it could be fun for students to see the New Year celebration of the year they were born.

Chinese New Year

History and Traditions of Chinese New Year
In 2015, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 19 at the turn of the Chinese calendar. In China, people celebrate with many lively traditions like dancing, fireworks, and feasts with friends and family.

Source: NTDonChina

Grade: 3-12

Run Time: 11:25

Description: Correspondents Alina Wang and Ben Hedges walk through the history, legends and traditions of the Chinese New Year, such as lion dancing, firecrackers and red banners.

Cool Factor: This video is a very in-depth discovery of Chinese New Year, and tells interesting, informative stories along with engaging footage of real celebrations.

Source: TvGameChannelYouTube

Grade: K-4

Run Time: 2:42

Description: This animated video tells the ancient story of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, and how the Chinese calendar came to be.

Cool Factor: Short and sweet, the story is enjoyable and good for young kids. It's also a refreshing, fun and colorful change of pace from a more information-based video. ​

How to Celebrate Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and a religious holiday celebrated on the first and second days of Tishri, the seventh month of the Jewish Year, usually in September. It commences with Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, which is observed by a day of fasting.

Source: Israel 365

Grade: K-3

Rosh Hashanah Rock Anthem
Run Time: 4:44

Description: This video is specifically for small kids, and introduces the basics of the meaning, history and traditions of Rosh Hashanah, including the origin of blowing horns.

Cool Factor: For younger children, this video is straightforward and easy to understand. Kids will enjoy the interesting and humorous take on talking about holiday traditions, and learning about the shofar.

Source: AishVideo

Grade: 4-8

Run Time: 3:09
The History and Traditions of Songkran
Description: A completely choreographed dance song that also tells about the celebration of Rosh Hashanah.

Cool Factor: Students will enjoy the playfulness and pep of this video as a follow up to a more informative lesson of the traditions and facts surrounding the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kipper celebrations.

Songkran

The traditional New Year's Day in Thailand-Songkran-is celebrated in April. It is typically celebrated with a water festival, where festivalgoers throw water as a symbol of washing the bad parts of the past away.

Source: Amazing Thailand

Grade: 4-8

Run Time: 13:36

Description: This video walks through all the aspects of celebrating Songkran, including from a visitors point of view.

Cool Factor: Students will see traditional attire, foods and rituals of Songkran, and watch clips from authentic celebrations in Thailand.

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Video Round Up: New Year Celebrations Around the World

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Students will be fascinated to know not every new year is celebrated on January 1. New Year traditions and celebrations around the world are celebrated at different points throughout the year in meaningful and fascinating ways, from firework-studded parades and festivals to quiet and respectful religious holidays.

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1. Tamales.
2. Soba noodles
3. Kings cake

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View as slideshow

Many of the foods people traditionally eat for luck on New Year's Eve are believed to bring a year of prosperity and good health.

Greens

Supposedly greens are a go-to New Year's food because they resemble money.

Beans

Beans, like greens, resemble money; more specifically, they symbolize coins. Traditionally, in the American South, beans are combined with rice and bacon for a lucky New Year's Eve dish called Hoppin' John.

Pork

Pigs are a lucky New Year's Eve food because they move forward when they eat. They are also rotund, symbolizing a fat wallet ahead.
Get the recipe

Fish

Fish are believed to be a lucky New Year's Eve food because their scales resemble coins, and they swim in schools, which invoke the idea of abundance.
Get the recipe

Pomegranate

In a Greek tradition, families toss a pomegranate against their front door when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. The more seeds fall out, the more luck and fertility that household will be blessed with. Pop yours in a plastic bag to avoid making a mess, or make your New Year's party extra cheerful by whipping up cranberry pomegranate margaritas. These are the 13 holiday drinking mistakes you'll want to avoid at all costs.
Get the recipe

Dumplings

On the day before Chinese New Year, families will gather to make jiaozi. The dumplings are shaped like gold ingots-the currency used in ancient China-so eating them as a New Year's Eve food will bring financial luck. Try making your own healthy steamed dumplings.
Get the recipe

Oranges

Mandarin oranges are one of the main symbols of Chinese New Year. Stick with fresh mandarins, not the canned stuff-the fruit itself is said to bring prosperity, and having one with the stem and leaf attached will bring a long life and fertility. Here's where to find 26 of the best New Year's Eve celebrations around the world.

Lentils

Italians traditionally would eat lentils for the New Year's Eve dinner. In the past, Romans would give a leather bag of the legumes, in hopes that they would turn into gold coins. Try cooking yours into a sweet potato lentil stew. Don't miss these other 20 lucky New Year's traditions from around the world.

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New Year's Food: Lucky Dishes for New Year's Eve | Reader's Digest

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View as slideshow Many of the foods people traditionally eat for luck on New Year's Eve are believed to bring a year of prosperity and good health. Supposedly greens are a go-to New Year's food because they resemble money. Beans, like greens, resemble money; more specifically, they symbolize coins.

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New years is one of the oldest holidays celebrated to this day Roman Catholics also often celebrate Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a feast honoring Mary.

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New Year For thousands of years, the New Year has been a festival of rebirth and reflection, allowing people all over the world to celebrate another great year. New Year’s Day is observed by most countries worldwide on January 1st, the first day of the New Year, following both the Gregorian and the Julian calendar. The New […]

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There isn't a right or wrong way to ring in the New Year in France however their are certain traditions and customs the French tend to follow when it comes to celebrating this end of year celebration. Here are 15 French traditions and customs to help you kick off the New Year à la Française "like the French".

New Year's Eve Celebration In France

In France, the New Year's Eve celebration is called "Le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre".

"La Saint-Sylvestre" (pronounced "la sain-sil ve-str") is the patron saint of the New year.

"Le Réveillon" (pronounced "luh rei-vaY-on") which literally means "the awakening", idiomatically means a night-time celebration, especially a feast .

Other names you might hear that refer to New Year's Eve are "réveillon de jour de l'an" and "Le Réveillon du Nouvel An".

1- New Year's Eve meal and party:
A feast and festivities with friends and family
New Year's Eve is almost always celebrated with a feast of rich foods.

Some people like to have their New Year's feast in a quiet environment at home with family and close friends. Others like to go gang busters and party like it's 1999 with extravagant parties, music and dancing. Costume parties are also popular at this time of year.

People often get dressed up for New Year's Eve but it's not a faux pas if you don't, it just depends on the event you are attending. There's even a French expression "se mettre sur son 31" which means "to dress up like it's a New Year's Eve party". The closest equivalent in English is "to dress to the Nines".

Whether you have a quiet family dinner or attend a loud costume party, there is inevitably going to be a feast of food and drink.

Although the food served at any New Year's Eve feast will vary, there are some dishes which are more common than others and might be considered New Year's Eve staple Dishes in France such as foie gras, oysters, crustaceans, smoked salmon, escargot and maybe even caviar if you're host has the budget for it.

All of this rich food will of course be accompanied by Champagne or Crémant "sparkling wine" to drink during your meal and at the stroke of midnight to ring in the new year.
You can read more about the food served for New Year's Eve by reading this article I wrote: French New Year's Eve Food Traditions: Is It Too Weird For You? Dining, dancing, clubbing and shows
2- New Year's eve soirée out on the town:

If you don't plan on throwing a New Year's Eve house party or you're not invited to one, there is no shortage of restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and other special offerings on New Year's Eve.

Most events cost money and you may be expected to dress up so check the dress code. Restaurants may have a special New Year's Eve meal which will be more expensive than their regular menu. Bars and clubs may have special events planned also so check the local area's list of events to see all your options.

It's a good idea to make reservations or buy tickets in advance to secure your spot.
"S'embrasser Sous le Gui" or "Le baiser sous le gui"
3- Kissing under the mistletoe

Thanks to the Druid Celts who believed mistletoe's mystical powers brought good luck and warded off evil spirits, the French have a tradition which you probably already know about- kissing under the mistletoe "S'embrasser Sous le Gui".

In France this tradition is usually reserved for New Year's and not Christmas like it is in Anglo Saxon cultures.

By the way mistletoe in French, "GUI" is pronounced with a hard "G" like in the word Guide and rhymes with KEY.

4- Fireworks

Certain cities in France like Paris and Strasbourg are renowned for Fireworks however for security reasons after the terrorist attacks, many planned New Year's Eve fireworks and festivities were cancelled including the famous Paris fireworks show.

That is until the end of 2017 New Years festivities. So double check just in case.
The epicentre of France's New Year's Party
6- The Champs-Elysées

If you happen to be in Paris for New Year's Eve and want to be at the centre of the party, the champs-Elysées is the place to be.

People start gathering to this famous avenue at around 9 pm on New Year's Eve where you can get a great view of the Eiffel tower which displays a sparkling light show at the stroke of midnight.

There is also a sound and light show projected on to the The Arc de Triumphe at Place Charles de Gaulle off the Champs-Elysée which starts around 11 pm on New Year's Eve.

For the end of year celebrations of 2017, the light and sound show is followed by fireworks but as I mentioned before, in past years parades and fireworks were cancelled due to security reasons so be sure and check to see the planned events.

It can get pretty rowdy and crowded on the famous avenue so if you are claustrophobic or don't like crowds, this may not be the place for you. And be wary of pickpockets.

7- French Villages and Towns Celebrations

You don't need to be in Paris to celebrate New years. All across France in French Villages and Towns, New Year's Eve is celebrated in a variety of ways from parades and fireworks to dances and light shows.

Check the official homepage of the city you are in to see what festivities are offered.

8- Watch The New Year's Greetings From The President Of France On T.V.

Every year at 8 pm, the president of the French republic addresses the people of France on TV with a presidential greeting "Les vœux présidentiels".

This speech is broadcast from the Élysée Palace-the official residence of the French President and the French equivalent of the White House.

During this presidential greeting, the president takes stock of the past year and expresses his political vision and his wishes for the future of France.

9- Kissing at midnight like a French person:

In most Anglo Saxon and Western cultures, it's customary for people to give a New Year's kiss at the stroke of midnight . There's even a superstition which says failing to kiss someone will lead to a year of loneliness.

In France the tradition is a little more complicated because you don't just kiss one person, it's tradition to "faire la bise" (cheek kiss ) with EVERYONE at midnight.

For example, if you are at a house gathering, at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve, everyone will run around saying Bonne Année while giving you a French cheek kiss "la bise".

Depending on the region of France, you should give anywhere from 2 to 4 alternating cheek kisses. In Provence it's 2, In Montpellier it's 3 and in some parts of France it's 4. I know it's complicated.

You could say that La Bise is kind of the French version of a hug but not really.
You might be interested in reading my article on French kissing.
The exception for "La Bise" is if you are at a street gathering, club or bar where everyone is strangers. In this case you could shake hands and wish people standing near you a Happy New Year and only kiss the friends and family whom you are with.
but only after midnight on Decembre 31st-not before
10- You can start wishing people "Happy New Year":

In most English speaking countries, you can utter the words "Happy New Year" well before the actual new year begins. In France this isn't so.

Instead you will hear friends, family and shopkeepers say the words "bonnes fêtes de fin d'année" which basically means Happy end of year Holidays.

Only after the stroke of midnight on December 31st will French people actually wish you a Happy New Year (Bonne Année) followed by "best wishes"(meilleurs Voeux).

The exception is the president who wishes his people a happy new year in his presidential new years greetings before the New Year begins at 8 pm on the 31st of Decembre.

11- New Year's resolutions

The ancient Babylonians are believed to have been the first people to make New Year's resolutions some 4,000 years ago. Today, the custom of making a New Year's resolution is an unavoidable part of the New Year's tradition mainly in the western Hemisphere, including in France.

12- New Year's greeting cards

The French haven't really caught on to the whole idea of sending Christmas cards. Instead, they send New Year's greeting cards called "les cartes de voeux du nouvel an"which are usually sent on or after the first of January.

Thanks to the evolution of the internet, instead of sending a physical card, it's not uncommon for friends to wish you a Happy New Year via text or social media sites like Facebook. Some say it's ok while other think it's better to send a card. The choice is yours.
Les étrennes du Nouvel An
13- New Year's Gifts:

New Year's gifts called "Les étrennes" are an old tradition that goes back to the Romans.

These days, giving a New Year's gifts is about showing gratitude to the people who serve us all year long with a cash gift at New Years.

People like postal workers, fire-fighters, rubbish collectors, cleaners, caretakers, apartment concierge, janitors etc. How much you give depends on your generosity and ability to pay but according to Francetvinfo, you should give anywhere from 5 to 50 euros as a token of your gratitude.

Sometimes parents and grandparents will give children an "étrenne" as early as the New Year's Eve meal.

And finally, don't be surprised to get a knock on your door in the month of January from a Firefighter selling calendars in exchange for "les étrennes" donations.
Les Gaufrettes aka les étrennes
14- New Year's eve wafers- waffles:

(Photo source from Mathilda)

I just love this next French tradition which is mainly practiced in Northern France for the new year. It involves offering guests who stop by to wish you well for the new year a home-made gaufres-seches.

These cute little "gaufre seche de nouvel ans" which literally means dried new year's waffles are sometimes called "les gaufrettes" or "les étrennes" and they have the same texture and taste as ice cream cones but with more of a vanilla taste to them.
(on the 12th day of Christmas with La fête des Rois)
15-Celebrations don't end until the 6th of January:

January 6th is an important day in France. It marks the last day of the holiday season and is known as épiphane and La fête des Rois.

On this day and the days leading up to the 6th of January, friends, family, schools and offices across the country share a piece of king cake with each other called "La Galette Des Rois".

A typical King cake consists of a puff pastry case filled with frangipane sold with a paper crown. Hidden inside the filling is a small little treasure called a fève which means bean. It's called a bean because that is what used to be put in a king cake. These days you're more likely to find a plastic or ceramic figurine. The person who finds the hidden fèvre in their piece of cake is 'king' for the day and wears the paper crown.
You can read more about this Galette de Rois tradition here.
Les galettes des rois are easy to find at this time of year - bakeries and stores in France are filled with them.
French New Year greetings (before the new year)

Happy holidays: Joyeuses fêtes!

Happy holidays: Bonnes fêtes de fin d'année

French New Years greetings (only on January 1st and throughout the month of January)

Happy New Year: Bonne Année! Joyeuse Année!

Happy New Year and good health: Bonne année et bonne santé

Happy New Year! Bonne année !

Season's greetings: Meilleurs vœux!

Multiple ways to say New Year's Eve

Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve: Le Réveillon

New Year's Eve: La Saint-Sylvestre

New Year's Eve: Le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre (also refers to the New Year's Eve party and feast).

New Year's Eve: Le Réveillon du Nouvel

Decembre 31st.: Le 31 décembre

Multiple ways to say New Year's

New Year's Day: Le Jour de l'An

New Year's day: Le nouvel An

January 1st. : Le premier janvier

Misc Expressions associated with the new year in France

Midnight: minuit

At the stroke of midnight: Sur le coup de minuit

Mistletoe: Le gui (hard g)

New Year's resolution: une bonne résolution

Epiphany: épiphane and La fête des Rois

King cake: Gallette des rois

New Year's Day Gifts / Tips: Les étrennes

Mistletoe: Le gui (pronounced with a hard G-ee rhymes with KEY)

New Year's resolution: Une bonne résolution

The new years meal: Le repas du Nouvel An

Fireworks: Les feux d'artifice

To propose a toast: Porter un toast / Porter un toast

Hangover: La gueule de bois

A good time: Bon enfant

Recap of French New Year's Vocabulary

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15 Fabulous French New Year's Eve Traditions In France

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There isn't a right or wrong way to ring in the New Year in France however their are certain traditions and customs the French tend to follow when it comes to celebrating this end of year celebration. Here are 15 French traditions and customs to help you kick off the New Year à la Française "like the French".

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Spanish usually celebrate with family and close friends, but the younger kids celebrate by eating 12 grapes, each stroke of the clock they eat 1 grape until the clock hits 12.

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Like all other places in the world, New Year is widely celebrated in Spain with great zeal and enthusiasm. It is celebrated there as "Nochevieja" whose literal meaning is "old night" and lots of Spanish traditions are associated with it.

Most of the Spanish like to spend the New Year eve and the New Year day with their family members and close friends.

It is also a common sight among the youngsters as well. There is a very interesting tradition followed among the Spanish during the New Year-eating 12 grapes. These grapes are eaten at every stroke of the clock as it strikes 12 on the New Year eve.

Each grape is meant for each of the 12 months and traditionally it is believed that eating grapes at the beginning of the year brings good luck and prosperity for all 12 months. It was first started by the King of Spain and is still widely followed among the conservative Spanish families. People who gather at the world famous New Year event held at, Puerta del Sol in Madrid before the countdown begins, also follow the traditions.

New year celebrations for the Spaniards have no meaning if it is not spent with family. Elders in the home traditionally prepare a special round ring shaped cake which is cut exactly at 12'o clock in the presence of all family members and friends. The round ring shape is given as it symbolizes good luck. The striking feature of the cake is that the cook, while preparing it, puts some small gifts and good luck charms inside it. While eating the cake, whoever gets these goodies, is sure to have a good luck throughout the year.

Fireworks form an integral part of a traditional New Year celebration. They are considered to be important as loud noise and sound of the bursting crackers drive away the evil spirits and leaves space for holiness and good luck. In many Spanish Families it is customary to dance and sing loudly to welcome the New Year with a bang. The reason remains the same-discarding the evil for the good.

During the party all the participants wear bright colored dresses as those welcome good luck and bright future. These parties serve enormous food and drinks like the traditional lemon sorbet or Rioja Wine Sorbet but the special toasting is raised with the sparkling Cava-the very famous Spanish champagne. People dance, shout, sing and greet each other with kisses and hugs-just to make the arrival of the New Year a grand occasion.

A very funny yet significant customs prevails among the Spanish during New Year- wearing red colored innerwear. Red for them is a symbol of good luck and prosperity; hence they put it to embrace both. But one cannot purchase it for himself or herself, the red innerwear must be gifted by someone else. Isn't that interesting? Indeed- it is.

Traditionally many Spanish inhabitants eat chocolates or biscuits at the early Morning of the New Year day just to signify they had a wonderful celebration last night.

More New Year Traditions

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New Year in Spain - Traditions and Customs

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Like all other places in the world, New Year is widely celebrated in Spain with great zeal and enthusiasm. It is celebrated there as "Nochevieja" whose literal meaning is "old night" and lots of Spanish traditions are associated with it.

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African New year is in the summer because they are on the southern hemisphere, so usual they are outside enjoying the weather while have festivals.

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New Year festivities in South Africa are annually celebrated with excitement and happiness on January 1. New Year's Day marks the start of the New Year in the Gregorian calendar, which is widely used in countries such as South Africa.

Is New Year's Day a Public Holiday?

New Year's Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

©iStockphoto.com/JacoleRoux

What do People Do?

New Year's Day is celebrated on January 1 and is a public holiday in South Africa, so many people have a day off work or school. Many New Year celebrations are enjoyed outdoors in South Africa because of the warm summer weather that many parts of the southern hemisphere experience during that time of the year. New Year's Day is a popular celebration so it is common for festivities to last for up to two days.

Friends and family customarily come together on December 31 and as the old year ends, the New Year is announced and greeted with jubilation, euphoria, and elation. It is common to welcome the New Year with cracker explosions and, in some instances, breathtaking firework displays. The New Year is also celebrated in the company of up to 80,000 spectators at the foot of Table Mountain, a landmark that overlooks Cape Town.

Public Life

New Year's Day is a public holiday in South Africa. South Africa's Public Holidays Act ( Act No 36 of 1994) determines that if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be a public holiday.

Public transport is not affected and is usually busier than normal. Formal commercial institutions such as banks, post offices and small businesses are closed for business. Restaurants and other entertainment outlets are open with shortened hours.

Background

There is some historical background behind the concept of the "Second New Year" and the significance of its celebration in South Africa. Slavery was common during the 17th century and slaves were not granted any days off work. They were granted a day off one day a year, which would be the first day after New Year's Day on January 2.

The slaves used this opportunity to visit friends from the one house to another, dress up in festive attire and to celebrate their own "New Year". They utilized the second day of the New Year as a way to protest against their oppressed lifestyle by engaging in cheerful singing, dancing, and parading through the streets.

The second day of New Year was an event that grew in later years, in which brass bands were incorporated and people's outfits became more colorful. The bands and outfits were significant to specific groups and people started to perform and compete against each other as they marched throughout the streets of Cape Town. Today's festivities occur on New Year's Day with more than 13,000 painted faces belonging to people dressed in colorful outfits with props, umbrellas, whistles, and other items make noise. This occasion turns Cape Town's streets into a vibrant rush of beats and lively lyrics.

About New Year's Day in Other Countries
Read more about New Year's Day.We diligently research and continuously update our holiday dates and information. If you find a mistake, please let us know.

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New Year festivities in South Africa are annually celebrated with excitement and happiness on January 1. New Year's Day marks the start of the New Year in the Gregorian calendar, which is widely used in countries such as South Africa.

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New Years in America is full of fire works, happiness, and people counting down to the ball drop.

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Come and be part of the celebrations to discover the American New Year traditions and enjoy the fun filled moments on the new year eve. America is of diversified culture with different ethnic background people.

You would enjoy the various traditions of New Year in America. In the US, new year is a declared public holiday and everyone is eagerly waits for the celebrations.

You would be surprised to explore the different American New Year traditions that bring fireworks, parties, gifts and musical events. New York is the main attraction during the Christmas and New Year. You can expect people from all corners of the world joining to enjoy the festive mood.

New Year Traditions in the US

Gatherings and fun moments includes watching of championship football games in the stadiums. The streets are crowded with youth and elderly people dressed fashionably to welcome the new year with great joy.

The Times Square in the New York City hosts several events which is hosted by the television celebrity Dick Clark. Many people love watching these programs broadcasted on the television with all their family and friends. The streets are decorated with lanterns, flash lights and colored papers. Flags are also adorned to express happiness. Giant vibrant colored electric apples are lowered to the ground at the time when people start saying "Happy New Year".

American New Year customs are very colorful and entertaining event. You can have fun at the dance parties which is one of the major celebrations on New Year eve. At the stroke of midnight all the Americans shares kisses and express their New Year greetings. This tradition came in existence from the masked ball which symbolizes evil spirits. It is believed that when you kiss it wades off the veil spirits and purifies the new beginning.

With the change of celebrating ways people have altered this tradition. They honk car horns to express the announcement of New Year party time. People blow paper blowers and whistles which is very exciting way of wishing happy new year!
Traditional American feast on new year
In the United States, it is believed that black-eyed beans are very lucky. It is American custom on New Year to prepare special dinner with different cuisines to gather for family feasts.

A special soul food with rice which is popularly called Hoppin' John is consumed with black eyed beans. During the party people also, have cakes and champagne which is considered very auspicious.
South American New Year traditions
In South America, New Year is known as 'Ano Viego'. People create fake person or dummies and it is placed outside the home. This scarecrow looking toy is stuffed with waste papers and fire crackers. The dummy is dressed like human and it is believed that this symbolized last year.

At the midnight, all the elders of the family set the dummies on fire. This depicts the wading off the old year and evils to welcome the new year. As, the dummy burns the firecrackers also go off to add sparkle and color. This is enjoyed by the children in America. Wish you all a very happy and festive New Year!

More New Year Traditions

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united states tradition of celebrating new year

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New Year in America - Traditions and Customs

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Come and be part of the celebrations to discover the American New Year traditions and enjoy the fun filled moments on the new year eve. America is of diversified culture with different ethnic background people. You would enjoy the various traditions of New Year in America.