2021 is quickly coming to an end and it’s nearly time to bring in the new year. With 2022 just days away, before we know it New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day will be here. If you’re wondering about New Year’s Rituals and superstitions, you’ve come to the right place. We have compiled a list of traditions from around the world including popular foods to eat on Dec. 31st and January 1st. Also, some countries have superstitions about things you shouldn’t do on the last day and first day of the year to improve your chances of having a wonderful year ahead. Keep reading more below to learn about New Year’s Rituals and Superstitions.

 

 

New Year’s Celebrations

To start with, New Year’s celebrations have been around for thousands of years. In fact, the earliest recorded New Year’s festivities date back more than 4,000 years to ancient Babylon. At that time, Babylonians celebrated the first new moon following the vernal equinox which occurred in late March. This day had an equal amount of sunlight and darkness and symbolized the start of a new year. Later, centuries later the Julian calendar was proposed by Julius Caesar in AUC 708 (46 BC) , which reformed the previously used Roman calendar. It took effect on January 1st AUC 709 (45 BC) and established January 1st as the first day of the year.

 

 

New Year’s Rituals

Many different countries have a variety of rituals to perform on New Year’s Eve. For example, in Spain it is common for people to ea 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight. Supposedly, each grape consumed gives you good luck for each month in the upcoming year. On New Year’s Eve in Armenia, the female head of the family will bake bread for the whole family to eat and hide a coin in the dough. Supposedly, whoever gets the slice of bread with the coin in it will be blessed with a great year. In the southern region of the United States, eating black-eyed peas on Dec. 31st is considered an essential part of the meal to ensure a great new year! In Mexico, tamales are considered a must-have dish to celebrate the beginning of the year and holidays in general.

 

 

NYE Traditions and Rituals

In addition to food, there are other traditions and rituals practiced on Dec. 31st and January 1st. For example, many people sing the Scottish song “Auld Lang Syne,” during their NYE festivities. Also, many people set their intentions and goals for the upcoming year as well. In modern times, it has become customary for people to watch the New York Times Square ball drop as well as fireworks celebrations from around the world on television. If you attend a NYE party in person, people love to light sparklers, make toasts, and enjoy an evening kiss at midnight, too. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even try the Polar Bear Plunge which is where participants enter a freezing cold body of water to raise money for a charitable organization. In Canada, polar bear swims are usually held on New Year’s Day, too.

 

 

New Year’s Superstitions

There are also superstitions about things you should or shouldn’t do on New Year’s day. For example, some people believe you shouldn’t wash clothes or do dishes on January 1st. According to folklore, people that wash clothes on New Year’s Day will be “washing for the dead” or washing a loved one away which means someone in your household will die in the coming year. To play it safe, get your laundry washed, dried, folded and put away by December 31st instead. Similarly, other superstitions say you should clean the house before so you don’t want to wash away your fortunes. In addition, there are myths that say it’s a no-no to cut hair, fingernails, or wash your hair on the first day of the near year. Instead, a great way to start off 2022 is by getting active and going outside to take a hike and enjoy nature.

 

 

It’s nearly time to celebrate the beginning of a new year! We hope you enjoyed this article about New Year’s Rituals and Superstitions. 2022 is nearly here so here’s to starting the new year with gratitude, love and appreciation for all our blessings. It’s a chance to leave the past behind, and make healthy and positive changes for the future. If a dream vacation to paradise is in your 2022 plans, make sure to call Amazing Mexico at (866) 883-0573. The reputable online travel agency has special travel packages to stay at the country’s top all-inclusive resorts. What better way to bring in 2022 than by pampering your loved ones with a luxurious getaway to Mexico? Call Amazing Mexico at (866) 883-0573 and book your vacation to Mexico today!