by Reynaldo Assana
December & January are both months associated with joy since both contain holiday from Christmas and New Year. While in one’s country New Year celebrated as a special event, other countries might perceived New Year as just another normal holiday. Let’s check how others spend New Year in their countries!
Iran – Sara Mahmoudian Aoyama Due to our calendar system, Gregorian calendar, New Year is celebrated on March 20th and known as “Nourooz” or a new day in Persian, which also marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and celebrated by people in different countries such as Afghanistan and Kazakhstan. The unique custom we have is “Haft-sin”, which are seven foods with the letter sin (S). Sabzeh (wheat sprouts) symbolize rebirth and renewal of nature, Samanu (sweet wheat pudding) represents fertility and sweetness of life, Senjed (Persian olive) is a symbol of love and affection, Serkeh (vinegar) symbolizes patience and age, Seeb (apple) is a symbol of health and beauty, Seer (garlic) represent health, and Somaq (crushed spice of berries) to symbolizes the sunrise and the spice of life.
France – Camile Segard New Year is usually about the party with your friends. Most of the time, people celebrate it with the same group of friends through the years and take rounds for the person who is going to organize the party at his home. Otherwise, some people go to a restaurant.
Taiwan – Serena Wu We have several places that have concerts with celebrities and artists from Taiwan or sometimes International artists from Korea, Japan, etc. At the same time, TV will film it live so people can either stay home and watch TV, count down and fireworks, or go out to those several places with the crowd. The iconic fireworks are held on Taipei 101. On the morning of the New Year, some people will go to the plaza in front of the presidential building to see the flag ceremony.
Japan – Miku Saijo Normally we spend time with family eat traditional Japanese New Year food (osechi), and go to shrines on the 1st of January to pray (hatsumoude).
Korea – Lee Jae Hoon Usually, we spend time with family and go to other countries.
Mongol – KH. Surleg Mongolian in general prefers Lunar New Year, while youngsters like New Year. They will go to the main square of Ulaanbaatar to do countdown together. The morning after, everyone will get up early to participate in the early worship of the temple.
Thailand – Bam
Similar to many other countries, people go partying and waiting for the countdown with fireworks and concerts. Some people go to the temple and do the meditation or praying over the year instead of counting down.
How do you usually spend New Year in your country?