For the Swiss, New Year’s means delicious food, spectacular fireworks, and celebrating the New Year with full glasses. But it’s not just the mushrooms that explode at the start of the year: In some parts of Switzerland, traditional parades are also held, disguised with figures, drums, bells or whips. The Hotsch race at Klosters GR, where ten pigs race, is undoubtedly a big highlight. The winner will be chosen as a lucky charm for the new year. But there are many fun New Year’s traditions to discover, not only in Switzerland but also abroad.
1. Spain: Grapes and ring in glass
Grapes are carefully bought on New Year’s Eve in Spain. For at midnight the Spaniards consume twelve grapes: one grape must be eaten for each of the twelve bells. However, a punch lasts three seconds instead of the usual one second. This is a safety precaution, as there are many deaths from choking from eating traditional grapes. It is said that if you do not break the grapes in time, bad luck will follow you. On the other hand, if you achieve this, you can make a wish for the new year. As in Switzerland, toasting with a glass of sparkling wine is a must. The subtle difference: sparkling wine has a golden ring. This should guarantee unexpected luck in the new year.
2. Spain, Italy, France: Red underwear
In addition to these two traditions in Spain, there is a third known tradition in Italy and France. In western and southern Europe, the supply of red underwear is increasing shortly before the end of the year. This is worn by women on New Year’s Eve and is expected to pursue their love life. But some conditions must be met: underwear may not be bought yourself, but should be a gift. This is why men often give red underwear for Christmas. Underwear can be worn for the first and last time on New Year’s Eve. For the magic to work, it must be cast off after New Year’s Eve.
3. Greece: gambling
At the beginning of the year, something really happens in Greek bakeries. The so-called Basilian bread is prepared in which a coin is hidden. Then the bread is eaten. It seems that whoever gets the coin should be enriched with good luck in the new year. It is also common to spend evenings playing cards or dice in Greece. The Greeks do everything: they play for money. Whoever wins gets not only the money, but also the bulk of the luck.
4. Russia: drinking ash in champagne
Since Russia lives according to the Julian calendar, New Year’s Eve is only celebrated from January 12 to 13. History is not the only thing unusual. Shortly before noon, Russians write a wish for the New Year on a piece of paper that is then burned. The ashes are then poured into a glass of champagne. If the glass is drunk until midnight, the wish will come true.
5. Brazil: Wet New Year’s Eve
Brazilians are lucky enough to experience New Year’s Eve in wonderful temperatures. The beaches are lit by candles and locals love to dress in white. They do this because white reflects Yemanja, the goddess of the sea, and represents fertility. At night, people jump over the waves in the sea. For every wave you jump, you can make a wish for next year. Afterwards, mostly women put out the boats filled with sweets and flowers. This should also make wishes come true.
6. China: cleansing day and tangerine launch
The Chinese New Year is not set to a fixed date as it is here. The beginning of the new year is determined by the lunar calendar and therefore occurs on a different day each year. Things are really heating up in China at the start of the year – it’s the most important and biggest festival in the country. In addition to celebrating and decorating homes, cleaning days are also popular. Cleanliness is expected to drive away evil spirits. In addition, many Chinese open their windows before midnight to attract luck home. There is even a tradition that helps unmarried women find a mate: Ladies have to throw tangerines into the sea.