What is your tradition for the New Years Eve? Have you been doing it for years? Or maybe you want to start one? In countries around the world there are traditions that people do every year at 12:00 on that old years eve.
In Australia, people walk the streets banging loudly on pots and pans at midnight.
In Brazil, you wear white to scare away bad spirits, jump 7 sea waves for good luck (one for each day of the week) or you give gifts to Goddess Lemanja of water (especially gifts of flowers – which are ocean friendly) by throwing them into the ocean.
In Chile, people sweep their house inside and out to remove bad energy, and eat a spoonful of lentils at midnight for a year filled with work and money.
In Finland, you tell your fortune by throwing melted metal into cold water. When cooled it becomes a symbol of what’s to come for the new year.
In Russia, they write a wish on a piece of paper, burn it and put it in a glass of champagne to be drunk before midnight.
In Spain, they eat 12 grapes with each bell strike at midnight – all for prosperity.
In Turkey, people throw Pomegranates from balconies to see them burst for a plentiful year ahead.
In Scotland, they hold days-long party called Hogmanay (involves hordes of people dressing up like Vikings). When midnight comes along they sing the song “Auld Lang Syne” and first foot across a friends or neighbour’s threshold.
In the UK, Big Ben count down is when people all over UK cross arms and link hands with everyone close by them and sing.
:: Auld Lang Syne ::
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and long, long ago?
CHORUS: For long, long ago, my dear, for long, long ago, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for long, long ago.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup! and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for long, long ago.
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, since long, long ago.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared since long, long ago.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend! And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for long, long ago.
CHORUS
Here in South Africa we sing “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. But in Cape Town we have a tradition of the Cape Carnival that dates back to the 19th century. The Kaapse Klopse takes place on the 2nd January and is known by locals as “Tweede Nuwejaar”.
On the 2nd January minstrel troupes that have prepared for months rehearsing songs, dance routines and marching parades come out in bold colourful costumes with bow ties, umbrellas and hats to parade from streets in the old district six area all the way to Green point stadium. The troupes or klopse are given names and walk the route entertaining the people in the streets. This is the celebration of life in the cape that welcomes in the New Year.
CABS car hire wishes everyone a Happy and prosperous year for 2015.
