New Year’s Eve Around The World
For most countries, New Year’s Eve is about staying up late and enjoying being with others. It tends to be noisy, full of crowds and filled high spirits. Even though many countries have the same types of celebrations, they do put their own special twist on it. Check out how the world celebrates New Years Eve, not only on December 31, but throughout the year.
China
The Chinese New Year changes every year to coincide with the lunar calendar. This year it will be on Monday, February 8. To celebrate they carry lanterns, throw firecrackers and have huge parades. They also eat lucky foods such as citrus fruit, long noodles and fish.
Bali
The New Year in Bali occurs in March. This celebration is quite different that those that take place in the United States. Instead of making it an all-out party they have 12 hours of silence and meditation. This might be the quietest New Year’s celebration on the list.
Israel
New Year celebrations in Israel are called Rosh Hashanah and take place in either September or October. This is considered to be the holiest time of year and those who celebrate it are supposed to practice good will and forgive others. Observances include blessing others, saying prayers and eating apples dipped in honey in order to bring about a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah ends with Yom Kippur and is celebrated by Jews not only in Israel, but throughout the world.
Thailand
In Thailand, New Years is called Songkran and takes place from April 13-15. There are several parades with many of them featuring large Buddha statues. Participants throw water at one another and fish are released in the rivers to symbolize kindness. People tie strings around each other’s wrists to show respect and the strings are supposed to stay on until they fall off on their own.
The United States
New Year’s Eve is a big deal in the United States. Around 1 million people head over to New York City’s Times Square to watch the infamous ball drop at midnight. About 44% of people kiss someone at midnight. Around 45% of people make a New Year’s resolution even though less than half of those people actually stick to those resolutions 6 months later.
Do you plan on attending New Year’s Eve celebration or are you one of the 22% of people like me who fall asleep before midnight?
