Happy New Year, Bulldogs!

A new year at Island Trees means a fresh start, new goals, and endless opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed. Although our seniors will be leaving later in June, we still have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the school year together. As we look forward to the year to come, people take time to reflect and celebrate the New Year in different ways. We know the traditions of the United States, for example, watching the ball drop in Times Square either on television or in person. However, celebrations around the world can look very different.

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Spain :

I’m sure many of us have heard how in Spain, people gather around in a house or outside with others in a town square and eat 12 grapes for the new year. But did you know that this tradition dates back to the 1900s? According to Spanish culture, Spanish farmers were known for growing tons of grapes, and didn’t want them to go to waste, so instead of throwing them out, they started the tradition of eating them rather than tossing them. It is often confused in Spanish tradition when the grapes are eaten, so here’s the explanation: in Spain, people eat one grape each time the clock chimes in the town square. Eating the grapes symbolizes good luck for the coming year.

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Japan :

Unlike most places around the world, Japan is known for being a place with quiet, simple, and unique rituals. On New Year’s Day, also known as Oshogatsu, families often visit temples or shrines to pray for good health and luck for both themselves and those close to them. Additionally, Japanese people often eat certain foods on New Year’s because they believe it will bring them good fortune in the coming year. Lastly, children all over Japan receive money in red or white envelopes from relatives.

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Brazil :

In Brazil, people celebrate Réveillon, which, unlike Japan, is loud and celebrated with big parties on beaches with fireworks. They also have a tradition of wearing white because in Brazil, it’s believed in Afro-Brazilian culture that wearing white symbolizes good luck and peace for the new year. Another tradition I find interesting is that people wear white at the beach and go into the water to jump over waves in honor of a sea goddess. They believe this ritual brings protection and blessings throughout the year.

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Denmark :

Denmark, which is somewhat similar to the United States, has families eating dinner and celebrating at home. But of course, there are going to be some differences along the way. Traditionally in Denmark, everyone watches the Queen’s speech, which is made at 6 pm on this special day. But when the clock hits midnight,  families and friends do something out of the ordinary. They jump off chairs at midnight! Jumping off the chairs is often believed to symbolize a fresh start and good luck for the year. Also, similarly, around the world, people have certain dishes and desserts they celebrate with. In Denmark, they eat an almond cake called Kransekage, which is shaped like a tower, and this shape tends to symbolize good luck and celebration.

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Russia :

New Year’s is one of the most important holidays in Russia. This is because during the Soviet Era, Christmas was banned, so that caused New Year’s to become extremely important to people. Firstly, New Year’s is referred to as Novy God, and it is celebrated with parties at homes with families and friends. People traditionally decorate a tree, hoping to get gifts from Grandfather Frost and or Ded Moroz, which is based on the Slavic folktale. At midnight, everyone celebrates with champagne and watches fireworks. There are special foods for this special occasion, such as Olivier salad, which is made with potatoes, carrots, peas, eggs, and mayonnaise.