New Year's Traditions

                                                                                 United States 

   Probably the most famoustradition in the USA is the dropping of the New Year ballin Times Square, New York City, at 11:59 p.m. Thousands gather to watch the ball make its one-minute descend, arriving exactly at midnight. The tradition began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of Waterford Crystal, weighs 1,070 pounds, and is six feet in diameter. 

   A traditional southern New Year's dish is Hoppin' John - black eyed peas and ham hocks. An old saying goes, "Eat peas on New Year's day to have plenty of everything for the rest of the year." 

   Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tournament of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year's day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats. The first parade was held in 1886.

                                                                            Hogmanay (Scotland)

   

   The birthplace of "Auld Lang Syne" is also the home of Hogmanay the rousing Scottish New Year's celebration (the origins of the name are obscure). One of the traditions is "first-footing". Shortly after midnight on New Year's eve, neighbours pay visits to each other and impart New Year's wishes. Traditionally, First foots used to bring a gift of coal for the fire, or shortbread. It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in. The Edinburgh Hogmanay celebration is the largest in the country, and consists of an all-night street party. 

                                                                             Oshogatsu (Japan) 

 The new year is the most important holiday in Japan, and is a symbol of renewal. In December, various Bonenkai or "forget-the-year parties" are held to bid farewell to the problems and concerns and prepare for a new beginning. Misunderstandings and grudges are forgiven and houses are scrubbed. At midnight on December 31, Buddhist temples strike their gongs 108 times, in an effort to expel 108 types of human weakness. New Year's day itself is a day of joy and no work is to be done. Children receive otoshidamas, small gifts with money inside. Sending New Year's cards is a popular tradition - if postmarked by a certain date, the Japanese post office guarantees delivery of all New Year's cards on January 1st.  

                                                                                                 Greece 

 

   In Greece, New Year's day is also the Festival of St.Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta, or St. Basil's cake. A silveror gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year. 

                                                                                         Spain 

 

   The Spanish ritual on New Year's eve is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year.