Year-end Customs Across the World
As we approach the end of the year, people around the world are busy wrapping up 2017 and preparing for the year to come. Let's take this opportunity to discover how different cultures celebrate the dawn of a new year.
New Year's Eve Ball Drop in New York City
New York City has long been one of the most popular places to celebrate the new year. The holiday spirit of New York City reaches its peak on December 31st.
The annual Ball Drop held in Times Square dates all the way back to 1907. This is the largest New Year's observation in the US with millions of visitors joining in the festivities every year. During the last 60 seconds of the year, a massive crystal ball slowly descends from 43 meters in the air while confetti falls and fireworks paint the night sky.
A 700-Year Tradition of Christmas Markets in Germany
Christmas markets originated in the 14th Century when German merchants sold Christmas goods in front of cathedrals or city halls.
All starting in late November, the top 3 German Christmas markets are held in Munich, Nuremberg and Roten ob der Tauber market. During Christmas season, nearly 150 kiosks are set up in Munich's Marienplatz square to sell handcrafted decorations and souvenirs. Christmas markets also offer the opportunity to enjoy seasonal foods such as Gluhwein (a mulled wine boiled with fruits), Lebkuchen (gingerbread made with nuts and honey) and chocolate fountains.
Mexico Celebrates the Spirit of the Pilgrims with 'Las Posadas'
Mexico celebrates the Las Posadas Festival for 9 days from December 16 to 24 in commemoration of Christmas Day. The Spanish word 'Posadas' means 'accommodation' and the festival is also known as the 'Festival of Pilgrims'. It commemorates in the memory of the Virgin Mary and Joseph who looked for a holy place to prepare for the birth of Jesus.
At the festival, a man and woman dressed up as Joseph and Mary reenact the Bethlehem pilgrimage while a crowd follows them to form a long parade. During this time each family decorates a corner of their home as a manger, and everyone celebrates Christmas by sharing candy and fruit.
Have a Warm Winter with a Bowl of Dumpling Soup: 'Yuan Dan' in China
Although China culturally values the lunar calendar more than the Gregorian calendar, they also have a New Year's Day called 'Yuan Dan (元旦)' that marks the new year according to Gregorian calendar.
The word 'Yuan Dan' is formed using the Chinese character 'yuan(元)' that stands for 'beginning' and 'dan(旦)' that means 'day'. Chinese people hold a memorial service for their ancestors, post couplets called 'chun lian(春聯)' on the door, view fireworks and have family meals on this day. In the morning, many visit Tiananmen Square in Beijing to see the first flag raising ceremony of the year.
During Yuan Dan, people in the Northern part of China eat a dumpling called jiaozi(餃子) - whereas people from Southern part eat tangyuan(湯圓) - a ball-shaped sweet rice cake filled with sesame powder. Chinese people eat dumplings during the winter holidays and share them with family members to wish each other's good health and fortune.
Ring in the New Year With Bosingak in South Korea
In Korea, the 'Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony' is a major event every New Year's Eve. During this event, the Bosingak bell is rung 33 times.
Originally, the bell was used to signal the opening and closing of the castle gates of Seoul, but now is rung on special occasions like New Year's Eve and national holidays. The number 33 originates in Buddhist myths which state that there is a huge mountain called 'Sumeru' which houses a paradise (Tushita) on top where everyone can live a long and healthy life. "Tushita" can be translated as the number '33'.
Many people gather at Bosingak to watch the bell ring, count-down together and make new year's wishes. The ceremony is broadcasted live, so the start of the new year is heard across Korea.
