Page 27 - KTUDELL E-LIT | Issue 4 - January 2025

2025 HAPPY NEW YEAR

Italy Czech Republic

I’d like to take you to Italy first. Italy has a New Year’s “Novorocni Polibek” That’s right, it’s all about kissing. On
tradition that will surely delight shopping addicts. On New Year’s Eve, people exchange kisses with their loved
New Year’s Eve, Italians wear their old clothes and throw ones, believing it will keep them happy and lucky
them away, symbolizing leaving behind past pains and throughout the year. Because who needs a four-leaf
negative emotions. Moreover, before entering the new clover when you can just smooch your way into good
year, Italians eat plenty of lentils, as they are considered a fortune?
symbol of abundance and prosperity.
Ireland
Spain
This time, we are heading to a country with a ritual sure
I know that almost all of you are familiar with this to make single ladies smile, Ireland! Here, single women
tradition, that at least half of you have tried it, and the tuck mistletoe under their pillows on New Year’s Eve,
other half is very close to give it a go! That’s right, I’m hoping it will bring them a spouse in the coming year.
talking about Spain’s 12 Grape Tradition. On New Year’s Meanwhile, older folks hanging loaves of bread on their
Eve, as the bells chime 12 times, 12 grapes are eaten under walls to ward off evil spirits. Who knew carbs could be so
the table. Each grape represents a wish for each mont of versatile?
the year, helping your wishes come true and bringing
luck to every month. I wish you good luck in finding your Mexico
grapes this winter!
In Mexico, people paint their houses on New Year’s Eve
Netherlands to match their wishes for the upcoming year. Looking for
love? Go red. Hoping for a job? Yellow is your color.
Now, let’s leave the vineyards and gardens behind and Dreaming of money? Bring out the green paint! This
head to a more daring tradition. In the Netherlands, there might just be the most expensive tradition we’ve talked
is a traditional event called ‘Nieuwjaarsduik.’ On New about so far. Plus, if you’re colorblind, there’s a real risk of
Year’s Day, brave Dutch people plunge into the cold ending up as a broke romantic instead of a wealthy
winter waters to take their first swim of the year. This workaholic!
ritual is believed to ensure a healthy and clean start to the
new year. So, what do you think, would you prefer Ecuador
swimming in cold water over eating grapes?
Had a toxic relationship this year? No worries, Ecuador’s
China New Year tradition has your back. In Ecuador, they say
goodbye to the past by burning photos from the year
One of the most important traditions of Chinese New gone by. Oh, and it gets better! Men dress up as brides to
Year is Hongbao, or red envelope. These envelopes represent the “brides of the past year.” Nothing says
contain money and are typically given to children to moving on quite like a bonfire of memories and your
bring wealth and prosperity. Red symbolizes luck and uncle rocking a wedding dress!
happiness, which is why the envelopes are always red.

Denmark

The Danes might have adopted this tradition from the
Greeks. On New Year’s Eve, it’s quite popular to throw old
plates at your neighbours’ and friends’s doors. They
believe that this tradition strengthens the bond between
loved ones. So, if you’re celebrating New Year’s in
Denmark, and you’re a beloved person, it’s very likely
that you’ll wake up to find many broken plates in front of
your door.

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