Culture

New Year Celebrations Around the World

BBC · 2 weeks ago · Read the Full Story on BBC
New Year Celebrations Around the World
AI SUMMARY

This article explores how Ethiopians and various nations around the globe celebrate their respective New Year traditions.

  • Ethiopians celebrate their New Year on September 1(Meskerem 1), E.C. marking the end of their unique 13-month calendar.
  • The transition into the New Year in Ethiopia is heralded by blooming Adey Abeba flowers, migratory Meskel birds, singing, drawing, and traditional food preparations.
  • Regional celebrations in Ethiopia include Hoya Hoye, Ashenda, Shaday, Ashendiye, and Solel.
  • Iran celebrates its New Year in March using a solar Hijri calendar.
  • China celebrates its New Year in February following a lunar calendar, while North Korea observes Sol-lal in February.
  • India celebrates its New Year in April, and Israel celebrates in October based on the Hebrew calendar.
  • Global New Year celebrations frequently feature midnight fireworks in cities such as Auckland, Sydney, Toronto, and Rio de Janeiro.
  • Denmark marks the New Year by breaking plates on doorsteps to wish people success.
  • Brazil celebrates by eating lentils for financial prosperity and good fortune.
  • New York's Times Square features an iconic midnight ball drop and fireworks display.
  • Spain's tradition involves eating grapes at midnight for good luck.
  • Romania celebrates by dressing in bear costumes to ward off evil spirits.
  • Japan rings temple bells 108 times at midnight, while South Africa discards old items and some South American countries walk with empty suitcases for adventure.