This New Year’s celebrations on 31st December will look very different around the world. But when we get back to a more normal life maybe we can celebrate with others who have a different date? With vaccines being rolled out will we be ready to get together for a Chinese New Year on 12th February 2021? 2021 is the year of the Ox. If you were born in the year of an Ox, your Chinese zodiac sign would an Ox – Ox years are 1985, 1997, 2009 and 2021!
Generally, whenever they take place, New Year traditions are designed to bring luck and good fortune for the year ahead. We make plans and resolutions. And all over the world, as different countries hit midnight fireworks would be a usual spectacle – but this year’s restrictions will stop us gathering in crowds, but many places will still set them off so they can be seen from wherever you are.
Here are a few nice traditions we can make our own…
In Denmark people smash plates at midnight to spread good luck. Often you do this on a family or friends’ doorstep to bring them good luck all through the year to come! Don’t use the best china any old plate will do and make sure you leave a note if you give it a go, as the confusion the next day may not be welcomed. Watch our if they have pets as well.
We spent New Year in Spain in 2009/10 and as the clock in the square struck midnight you had to eat 12 grapes – one for every bell. It is so much harder than you think. A lady in the street tipped us off that it is practically impossible if the grapes have pips (or bones, as she called them). Pop 12 seedless gems in a small container and hand out one to each family member and make this a new family tradition.
In Romania, people dress up as dancing bears to chase away any evil spirits. Romanian folk stories say bears are special creatures that protect and heal people. Kids love to dress up and so making costumes with them and telling stories is a lovely way to spend the time between Christmas and New Year. Then you can have a Teddy Bears Picnic.
Japan and South Korea, ring bells to start the New Year. A noisy start and if you’ve had a big night, so this might not be for everyone – but again you could weave it into our own family traditions. We’ve hung bells all over the house in preparation. We found them second-hand and they are all different and have their own melodic sounds. We plan that on New Years Day we will time each other to see who can ring all the bells the fastest!
Whatever you do this New Year, be safe and spend it together planning what you want from 2021! Happy New Year from us all at Rumage!