New years celebrations and traditions around the world by Kaeleen Yloiza Corpuz

New York times square ball

316098_9 — 2024-12-06 16:18:51 UTC

The Times Square Ball drop is an essential New Year's Eve tradition in New York City, drawing massive crowds and captivating millions worldwide. First occurring in 1907, the descent of the glittering geodesic sphere from a top One Times Square marks the final seconds of the

departing year and the arrival of the new. Its importance lies in its symbolic representation of time, renewal, and hope for the future. The ball itself has evolved over the years, from a simple iron and wood structure to the modern, technologically advanced spectacle of LED lights and Waterford crystal. The event has become deeply ingrained in popular culture, serving as a shared experience that unites people in a collective celebration of new beginnings. The Times Square Ball drop is more than just a countdown; it's a cultural touchstone, a symbol of

optimism, and a vibrant expression of the human desire to mark the passage of time and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.

Americas New year History

316098_9 — 2024-12-08 22:33:59 UTC

Learn the backstory on New Year´s in America.

Chinese: Red envelopes

316098_9 — 2024-12-11 23:02:14 UTC

The tradition of giving red envelopes, or hongbao, in Chinese culture stems from the belief that the color red symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and wards off evil spirits. Originally, the envelopes contained actual money, meant to suppress the evil spirits and protect children as they grew older. Over time, this evolved into a gesture of bestowing good fortune and blessings, particularly during the Lunar New Year and other special occasions like weddings and birthdays. The act of giving and receiving red envelopes strengthens social bonds and express well wishes for the recipient´s health, happiness, and success in the coming year. The amount of money given is less important than the symbolic gesture itself, representing the giver´s goodwill and care.

Philippines shaking coins

316098_9 — 2024-12-12 19:47:49 UTC

A popular practice in the Philippines is to jump up and down with pockets, or hands full of coins. This practice is usually done at 12:00 a.m. to go into the new year with hope to bring money into their life. This tradition is believed to bring good fortune. Some people also scatter coins around their house at every nook and corner, inside drawers, on tables and anywhere they believe will bring them luck and money.

Brazil: start the new year on an elevated surface, right foot

316098_9 — 2024-12-12 21:37:54 UTC

To start the new year on a good note, make sure to countdown to midnight from an elevated surface. Stand on a sturdy chair, climb up on a table, or get on someones shoulders until midnight, and step down on the right foot. Beginning the new year on the right foot means to begin the new year by taking positive steps, setting good intentions, and making a strong start. This symbolizes setting yourself up for success from the very beginning; it´s an idiom signifying a fresh start with a positive outlook.

Philippines: Eat sticky rice and round fruits

316098_9 — 2024-12-17 05:32:24 UTC

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, Filipinos embark on a joyous journey into the coming year. The selection of round fruits and the indulgence in sticky rice dishes aren't just culinary choices; they are symbols of prosperity, togetherness, and the belief that the coming year will be as sweet and abundant as the feast spread on New Year's Eve. It's a tradition that emphasizes the importance of family, community, and shared optimism. The roots of the round fruits and sticky rice traditions intertwine with a tapestry of Chinese influence and Filipino adaptation. The Chinese believe in the symbolism of round shapes, representing wholeness and continuity. Filipinos, with their open hearts and rich cultural heritage, embraced this concept, adding their own unique twist to create a tradition that is both meaningful and delicious. An intriguing historical anecdote surrounds a small village where a fruit vendor decided to sell only round fruits during the New Year. The idea caught on, and soon, the entire village was draped in the colors and shapes of prosperity. This small act of celebration turned into a tradition that spread throughout the archipelago.

Greek: Pomegranates

316098_9 — 2024-12-17 05:53:55 UTC

The pomegranate as a hope-filled symbol has been part of many holiday and culinary traditions. This fruit is a lucky symbol in Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and many countries' art and cuisine. Pomegranates represent all of the things we associate with the new year and the hopefully imminent arrival of spring. To this day, there's a special New Year's Day tradition amongst Greek communities that involves smashing open a pomegranate on the porch to symbolize well-wishing for an abundant, luck-filled year ahead. In this tradition, the larger the seed splatter, the more luck you'll have.

Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations

316098_9 — 2024-12-17 06:05:03 UTC

This video shows the preparation of the New Year in China. In China there are a bunch of different traditions and celebrations that they do to have a prepare in the coming year.

My life in a song

316098_9 — 2024-12-17 16:28:36 UTC

This year has been the most challenging, stressful, and life learning. this song carries a message of hope and acceptance. It reminds us that sometimes, the best thing we can do is let go and trust that everything will work out in the end. In the song it says,

¨Let it be, let it be

Let it be, yeah, let it be

Whisper words of wisdom

Let it be

And when the night is cloudy

There is still a light that shines on me¨

I have learned so much this year. Even though it feels like the end of the world there will always be people there for you to help you every step of the way. It is important not to depend on someone for your happiness. I met someone and thought that they were my world, but I was wrong. I could not help but grieve over them. My friends were there for me the whole time, and I am very greatful for them.

This year summarized

316098_9 — 2024-12-17 16:39:59 UTC

This year was a long life lesson. I have made so many friends that I am so greatful for. I have met a lot of people who I will always remember and love. I am scared to show my emotions and true feelings to anyone because they could reject me. Even though that has happened to me I still try to push through because I know it is not worth it to cry. My friends have helped me every step of the way.