New years traditions
New Years is celebrated around the world on Jan 1. There are many traditions and customs that occur in specific places. The places that are mentioned are the United States, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
The United States
The midnight kiss is a very popular custom that occurs on New Years. As the ball is on countdown to drop, a couple will get together to kiss as the clock hits midnight. The background of the midnight kiss has historical meaning behind it. The kiss symbolizes a positive year to come and well wishes. A kiss that has true affection behind it strengthens us and shows us that we are a part of a community. As for the relationship, the kiss shows the couple each other’s intentions and the strong bond they hope to have in the upcoming year.
Spain
In Spain the custom they have involves eating 12 grapes before midnight. Each person has 12 grapes that represent each month of the new year. When 12 seconds till the new year strikes, you begin to eat the grapes. This is to welcome in good fortune and prosperity. The popular trend started in the late 1800s as a way for farmers to increase sales. The farmers had an excessive amount of grapes and needed to sell more. This way farmers’ sales increased and created a custom for years to come.
A picture of people eating 12 grapes around a tree
The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom and many other countries sing the song “Auld Lang Syne”. This song is Scottish and means long ago or for old times. The song is written by a man named Robert Burns, which was published in 1799. Some people gather together during this time and have a drink, as they sing this song, during the New Years times.
