Introduction – What Is New Year’s?
New Year is celebrated when a calendar year comes to an end and a new one begins. New Year occurs on December 31st and through January 1st. People all around the world celebrate the beginning of another year through firecrackers, parties and joyful celebrations.
Why Do Different Countries Have Different Traditions?
There are many different languages, religions and customs throughout the world. Hence, people have different traditions during the New Year, in all parts of the world. This New Year you should try to enjoy different cuisines or customs from another religion of the world!
How Kids Celebrate New Year Around the World
Have you ever wondered how kids throughout the world celebrate New Years? Let me tell you about four countries and how children celebrate differently:
- United States: Children watch huge fireworks and many people visit Times Square with their families to watch countdown to midnight.
- Japan: Children in Japan watch the sunrise and ring huge bells to celebrate the New Year.
- Brazil: Children in Brazil celebrate by wearing all white and jumping over ocean waves.
- India: Children and adults celebrate by dancing and lighting up oil lamps that look beautiful at night.
New Year Foods Around the World
Different cultures and countries eat different foods during New Year’s like:
- Mexico and USA: Tamales are eaten on New Year‘s to bring good luck and a brighter future.
- Ireland: Irish soda bread is a symbol of celebration, eaten on New Year‘s day.
- USA: Eating black-eyed-peas on New Year‘s is a southern tradition. It symbolizes luck and prosperity.
- Spain: Eating 12 grapes when the clock strikes midnight is considered to bring good luck in Spain. It also represents 12 months of the year.
- Japan: Osechi Ryori is typically eaten on New Year‘s in Japan. It is meant to wish them happiness and prosperity for the future.
Activities to Celebrate New Year as a Kid
Here are some activities that children can do on New Year‘s:
- Create a time capsule, in which you can store your old toys, sweet notes or anything you want for your future self. Then bury or hide them somewhere where you can find them years later.
- Create a “wish jar”, you can write notes for things you want to do or achieve.
- Watch fireworks with your family.
- Spend time with your family and friends, enjoying the moment and the passing of time!
- Eat New Year-related lucky foods.
Conclusion – Why Is New Years a Special Time?
New Year is a celebration that brings together families and people from different backgrounds. New Years is special as it serves as a reminder for us to be consistent with our goals and our future.
Fun New Year Facts for Kids
- Did you know this holiday was celebrated 4500 years ago as well?
- Did you know over one billion people watch the ball drop on New Years?
- Roughly 1 million people gather in Times Square during New Year‘s.
- Breaking plates on New Year‘s is considered a sign of good luck in Denmark.
- Eggs were given in Persia during the New Year to symbolize productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did people start celebrating New Year’s?
Did you know the New Year celebration is said to begin in 2000 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia.
What is a New Year’s resolution?
A New Year’s resolution is defined as a promise that you make to yourself on the first day of the year.
Which foods are considered to bring luck on New Year’s?
New Year’s food like black eyed peas, fish and noodles are considered to bring good luck.
Which foods are considered bad luck on New Year’s?
Foods like lobster and chicken are considered to bring bad luck on New Years
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