Zimpapers Logo

NEW YORK. – The United States is a grand melting pot of many cultures and peoples from all across the globe.

This can be seen in the different ways that people celebrate New Year’s. Some cultures take to the streets running for travel while others indulge in different foods to bring good luck. Regardless of how they celebrate, there is one thing in common for most cultures − in with the good and out with the bad.

If you find yourself in the South on New Year’s Day, you can bet on finding black-eyed peas and pork somewhere along the way. This traditional combination is typically served with rice and greens. The black-eyed peas represent good luck, the pork represents prosperity, and the greens represent wealth in the new year.

People in Pennsylvania and Ohio bring good luck to the new year with pork and sauerkraut. The pork is for good luck and the sauerkraut brings riches, prosperity, and a long life.

The Times Square ball drop was the first of its kind and started in 1907. Since then, it has become a widespread tradition all over the country with ball drops happening even in Memphis and Nashville.

What New Year’s traditions are there in Asia?

Dancers welcome in the Chinese New Year during a demonstration of The Traditional Lion dance by students and staff at Shaolin Center in Waukesha at Mayfair Mall on January 28, 2012.

In China, even though their New Year is celebrated on a different day, the celebrations revolve around fireworks. The Chinese believe that the loud noises from fireworks scare off evil spirits and misfortune. It is also customary for older members of the family to give younger members a Hong Bao which is a red envelope with pocket money inside.

In Japan, people eat toshikoshi soba. The long noodles are for longevity and the buckwheat is for resilience. The noodles are easily cut which allows households to let go of the year’s hardships.

In the Philippines, circles are the way to go. People will eat 12 round fruits for the 12 months of the year, and some will take it a step further by wearing polka dots. Coins are also good luck because of their roundness and monetary value. They can be carried in pockets to attract wealth.

In Syria and Lebanon, it is tradition to have a “white dish” to represent hope for all things good for the year. The white dish could be traditional dishes like shakriyeh, kibbeh labanieh, muhalabia or something simple like milk and cereal.

What New Year’s traditions are there in Africa?

In Africa, there are several countries with large celebrations for the new year. As it is summer in the continent right now, most celebrations are done outside or at the beach if possible.

In Ghana, there are large celebrations across the country that include street parties, live music, and heading to the beach. Family is a large part of the celebration, so the day includes meals, gift exchanges, and cultural rituals.

In South Africa, some people celebrate the new year with the tradition of throwing old appliances and furniture out of their windows. – commercialappeal.com