There have never been so many expectations about 2020. It is time to welcome 2021, and celebrate 2020. Although you may not be clubbing in Times Square or getting frostbite on the streets, there are many other New Year’s Day traditions that you might find interesting.
While travel may not be in your immediate future, you can bring your dreams destinations to your living space with traditional New Year’s Eve food and drinks. Here’s a suggestion: Make a list with all the countries and bucket destinations you know, and then enjoy a drink as the new year arrives.
After Midnight
Japan’s new year marks the beginning of a new chapter in one’s life. A bowl of hot noodles is a common way to welcome the new Year. This tradition is called Toshikoshi Soba. It roughly means “a year-crossing wheat noodle.”
It is still a matter of debate as to where this New Year’s Day tradition originated. Some believe the long shape of the noodles symbolizes the passage from one year into the next. Others believe that the noodles symbolize starting over, letting go last year’s problems and letting it all go.
Whatever your belief system, you can make this healthy meal with your family and close friends. Then take a moment to reflect on the past year and hope for joy in the new year.
Enjoy a glass of sake with your meal! Traditional wisdom says that you should not serve yourself but only others.
12 Grapes in 12 Bell Strikes
This tradition was created by Alicante vine growers who decided to sell more grapes. Today, the locals eat one grape after each of the twelve clock strikes that follow midnight to celebrate New Years. If you can eat all 12 grapes at once, you will have a year filled with good fortune. It’s not a bad idea to believe. You also get vitamins.
Spain also has world-famous wines. You can replace champagne with cava, and you are good to go!
Hopes of Travel & Fortune-Telling Potatoes
Two fascinating New Year’s Eve traditions are found in Colombia, which we believe everyone should try.
Three potatoes are placed under the beds of Colombians on December 31st: one peeled, one unpeeled, and one half-peeled. They grab the first potato that they find after midnight. Peeled potatoes mean they will have financial problems, unpeeled ones promise success, and half-peeled potatoes predict the best outcome.
This may sound overwhelming, but it is not.
A second tradition that is popular at New Year’s Eve is the enjoyment of adventurers. People take empty suitcases to ensure a year of adventure and then run the streets. A strong cocktail might be the best way to get your family and friends in the mood. Try Coco Loco
Colombia is known for its great coffee. You can keep the party going by using your best brewed coffee to make delicious coffee cocktails.
Denmark: Broken Dishes On Your Doorstep
People break dishes at their friends’ homes on New Year’s Eve, Denmark. Your friends will be more likely to have a bigger pile of dishes on January 1st. This was a way to end all quarrels and start a new year peacefully, according to some sources.
Instead of frying up dishes, you might prefer to share Carlsberg bottles with your neighbors or friends. Glogg is the best option if it’s cold where you live on New Year’s Eve. You might also like hot alcoholic beverages, so check out this post!
Ecuador: Bonfires
People in Ecuador burn effigies of celebrities, politicians, cartoon and comic book characters, and other well-known figures from the previous year. This is a way to say goodbye to the past year and to all the negative things that have happened.
A bonfire is a great idea if you have a yard. You could even burn your ex’s love letters. You can also make a delicious campfire recipe and a fiery drink called Canelazo.