New Years

Austria - Pork is traditionally eaten in Austria because pigs always root forward. Austrians avoid lobster because it moves backwards and may cause setbacks!

British Columbia - People plunge into the icy cold waters of Vancouver.

Cambodia - Beginning on April 13th Cambodia celebrates New Years (Chaul Chnam Thmey 'Entering the New Year) for three Days. People clean their homes and decorate with flowers, balloons and streamers. As a sign of respect, children give their elders money and/or food. On New Year's morning there is a religious service.

Chinese New Year - The Chinese celebrate New Years between January 10 and February 19. Customs include paying debts, getting new clothing, and cleaning the house. Families gather for a large meal and offer sacrifices to the Gods.

Germany - 6 onions are cut in half and the cut side is salted. They then designate each half as a month of the year. The onions are left alone then checked for weather predictions. Dissolved salt means a wet month, salt that remains on a month means a dry month. Germans also eat pork and fish for riches.

Greece - January 1st is also Festival of Saint Basil (the founder of the Greek Church). Vassiloptita bread is served with small trinkets baked inside. Those who find the trinkets are said to have good luck. Children leave their shoes near the fireplace and "Saint Basil" fills them with gifts. It is said that "Baby New Year" came from ancient Greece during the Feast of Dionysus (God of Wine). A baby in a basket was taken around town representing the rebirth of earth.

The Jewish celebrate the New Year "Rosh Hashanah" on the 1st of Tishri (sometime in September or October). It is the start of the Ten Days of Penitence which ends with Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur Rosh Hashanah are the High Holy Days. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year. People ask for God for forgiveness for those promises they did not keep. New clothing is worn; however, leather is not allowed.

Scotland - Scotland refers to New Year's Eve as "Hogmanay". 3 cornered biscuits called hogmanays are eaten along with other foods such as wine, breads and cakes. People purify their homes with collected juniper and water. Seeing a cat is considered to be unlucky. "First Footing" is important. The 1st person at your door at midnight should be a dark haired person.

USA - The US celebrates together starting New Years Eve. Times Square & the dropping of the ball are a well known American customs. At midnight couples kiss, children bang pots and pan and fireworks can be seen. Junk food and alcohol are party staples. Football is a popular way to spend time for the fan on New Years Day.