New Year’s traditions

Here we go. The first day of 2008. A good time, perhaps, to look at some of the many New Year’s traditions around the world, courtesy of Alyson Chapman of the Daily Times of Texas.

*Baby New Year. The tradition of using a baby to signify the new year began in Greece in approximately 600 BC, according to historians. It was their tradition at the time to celebrate their god of wine, Dionysus, by parading a baby in a basket, representing the annual rebirth of that god as the spirit of fertility. Early Egyptians also used a baby as a symbol of rebirth.

* Sweet dreams. In Japan, it is believed to be a favorable omen if a person dreams of Mount Fuji, a hawk or an eggplant on New Year’s Eve. The Japanese also have a traditional New Year’s meal of long noodles, which are to be eaten without breaking them, to ensure long life.

* Get rid of the old. In South America, it’s a tradition to build a dummy representing the old year. It typically is made out of bits of old clothing from each family member and stuffed with straw and firecrackers. Every family member then writes their faults and bad luck on a piece of paper. At midnight, the dummy can either be set on fire and burned until only ashes are left or it can be torn to shreds.

* Eating grapes. In Spain, it is traditional to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each month in the coming year. Eat one grape with each toll of the midnight bells. Some people say the name of the month as they eat each grape, and if that grape is sweet, it will be a good month.

 There are more interesting nuggets in the full article.

 Best wishes for a wonderful 2008!

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