New Year's Day comes to everyone around the world regardless of where they live or what time zone they are in. Interestingly, every country has its own way of celebrating that big day. Here is a sample of how different cultures ring in the New Year.
Chile, South America
Chile is a long, narrow, country that runs down the west coast of South America. The Chilean people make big plans to celebrate the New Year. The women cook all evening, making a delicious meal to be served after midnight.
At the coast, the boats in the Valparaiso harbor are all stocked with fireworks, which are set off the moment the clock strikes twelve. Many people go to the coast to watch the fireworks, but the majority of the country watches the show on television in their living rooms.
In Chile, the New Year is a time of wishing family and friends the best in the coming year. People leave their homes at the strike of midnight and run to the nearby homes of family and friends to give them big hugs and well-wishes, then they continue down the street to greet the next family.
Australia
Unlike the Chilean people, the Australians welcome in the New Year on January 1. Most people celebrate by going on picnics with their family and friends. When the clock strikes twelve, the people go into the streets and start blowing whistles and trumpets, honking their car horns and ringing the church bells.
South Africa
At the strike of midnight in South Africa, you will hear the church bells ringing and the sound of guns being fired. People dress in brightly colored clothing and head for the streets where they become a part of the processions taking place. Dance shows and live music are also very common.
In many neighborhoods, the people gather at community buildings to share in a grand feast. Many South Africans go to their churches and pray, asking for God's blessing upon their lives and homes in the coming year. Noise, music and the church are the key points to the South Africans' celebration of the New Year.
These tips for a proper Chinese New Year celebration will help make your new year a good one. |
The history of Chinese New Year may have originated with end-of-harvest celebrations during which the citizens would offer thanks to the gods for good harvests. |
These Chinese New Year decorations are fun to look at, and they will also get your guests involved in the celebration. |
Customs for the Chinese New Year emphasize family, food and making a fresh start. |
Chinese New Year customs emphasize starting fresh and performing rituals that promise a good year to come. |
A Chinese New Year parade has become a tradition in many American cities. |
The Chinese New Year dragon dance is more than a breathtaking spectacle. It is designed to bring in good luck. |
On the Chinese New Year, families decorate, eat special holiday foods and give each other traditional good luck wishes. Celebrate with kids by doing some Chinese New Year activities, such as making crafts and decorations. |
Learn all about Chinese New Year with everything you need to know including Chinese New Year traditions and customs, a brief history of the Chinese New Year celebration, homemade Chinese New Year decorations, great Chinese New Year activities and crafts for the kids and more. |
Help your kids learn about Chinese New Year with this legend and two Chinese New Year crafts. |
Chinese New Year traditions emphasize a fresh start and bringing the family together. |
