New Year Traditions Around the World!

Whether you are welcoming in the New Year in a foreign land or at home with friends and family, we are sure you must follow your own traditions. During this auspicious time, different countries celebrate and mark the New Year in their own unique ways. In some cultures, what you are wearing or doing at midnight decides your wealth, health and love life for the next year. Come take a look with us, as we show you different New Year traditions around the globe!

United Kingdom

Hogmanay is the Scottish term for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year. A popular Hogmanay custom is fireball swinging that takes place in Stonehaven. This involves locals making ‘balls’ of chicken wire filled with old newspaper, sticks and rags, swung by a chain or nonflammable rope. As the Old Town House bell sounds to mark the new year, the balls are set alight and the swingers set off from the High Street to the Cannon and back, swinging the burning balls around their heads as they go!

Canada

Canadians participate in a very interesting tradition which they call the annual Polar Bear Swim. This event started in 1920 when a couple of friends jumped in the bone-chilling waters of the English Bay on New Year’s Day. Today the tradition is followed in several cities like Toronto, Nova Scotia, Manitoba. Participants believe that the dip in the icy cold waters starts off their year since it gives them an adrenaline rush that cleanses that mind and soul

The United States of America

To ring in the New Year, about two million people gather at New York’s Times Square to witness the famous ‘Ball Drop’. This tradition began in 1907 with a 700-pound ball that was slowly lowered down a pole until it reached the ground at midnight. Today, the ball is 11,875 pounds and covered in sparkling Waterford crystals. For those who cannot watch the event live, the ball drop is telecasted nationally and internationally! 

From everyone at IELTS by Manil we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year however you wish to celebrate!