The moment midnight strikes signifies the end of one era and the beginning of a brand new one. New Year’s is a celebrated moment worldwide, with many celebrations and traditions taking place on the memorable night. These activities can differ though, depending on where you are.
One prime New Year’s tradition is the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City. New Year’s is a spectacle to behold in the Big Apple at the end, and also technically the beginning, of every year. The ball begins to fall at 11:59 PM, and settles at the bottom at exactly midnight, signifying the new year. Before the ball drops, famous singers can be seen performing in Times Square to nearly a million people, all packed in tight to witness the celebration.
In addition to New York, many Latin countries have traditions as well. One example is eating twelve grapes on New Year’s Eve. Each grape represents a wish or resolution for the coming year. Different variations exist with this tradition, including eating them under a table or toasting friends and family with them in a cup. Some other traditions include keeping a cup of water at the entrance to the home, throwing water out into the street, and packing a suitcase full of things and walk around the block, said to bring lots of travel into the new year.
Many Asian countries have New Year’s traditions as well. In Japan, people eat soba – which are long noodles made from buckwheat flour. This tradition is said to bring good luck and longevity in the coming year. In addition to this, Joya no Kane is a Buddhist tradition where temples ring their bell 108 times to clear away negative thoughts and feelings from the past year. China celebrates their own new year’s a few weeks later, and the celebrations last typically 16 days. Traditions for the Chinese include red envelopes, lanterns, bright red decorations and clothing, and fireworks and firecrackers.
Europe also has their own various traditions for the coming of the new year. Some countries in Europe wear red underwear to symbolize good luck, the same reason why Asian countries also utilize a lot of red. In Germany, people drink feuerzangenbowle, eat pfannkuchen, which are essentially pancakes, and watching “Dinner for One” has also become a common sight on New Year’s. In Denmark, smashing plates is a way to welcome a new year of luck and good fortune. The Scottish practice a tradition called “first-footing,” where usually a tall, dark-haired man is the first to enter a home after midnight, bringing shortbread, salt, coal, and more.
After viewing Local Hero, February’s movie that was shown at City Hall, adjacent to the Mission Viejo Library, I realized that even though some movies may have been made many decades before and have a distinct feel, they still remain contemporary and topical to this day. Local Hero is one of these such movies.
Mission Viejo Library Teen Voice 