NEW YEAR’S TRADITIONS

On 1 January we celebrated the beginning of the year 2020, as determined by the Gregorian calendar. This custom was started in ancient Rome where, on the days of the winter solstice, Saturn was worshipped. Loud games and songs took place in the streets during which they dressed up as different animals. People wished themselves luck by shaking hands and kissing. Furthermore, they tried to spend this day in the most pleasant way, because it was believed that if it was successful, it would be the same all year round. Nowadays, this special day is celebrated virtually all over the world, often in a very special way for a given country. Some of them have one element in common – water.

◀ A visit to banya, Russia

Banya is a variety of sauna and is shaped like a wooden barrel. It is where the Russians go on New Year's Eve. This custom is to make a new year with a clean body and mind. Used at least once a year, it improves the mood, calms the nerves and relaxes. When deciding to visit the sauna, one should remember to cool down the whole body with cold water immediately afterwards.

The sacrifice for Yemanji, Brazil

Yemanji is an African-Brazilian sea goddess. Every evening before the beginning of the new year, her followers bring her in sacrifice e.g. white flowers, jewellery, rice, perfume, which they then throw into the sea or put into small boats set on waves. If Yemanji is satisfied with the sacrifice, i.e. does not return it to the beach, the goddess devotee will be lucky and his dreams will come true next year.

Lead Pouring, Germany

One of the traditions that have been cultivated for hundreds of years in Germany is to pour lead on New Year's Eve. This custom dates back to Roman times. It consists in melting (usually on a spoon over a candle) a small piece of lead which is then poured into cold water. The shape obtained is a fortune for the coming year.

Morning face wash, Croatia

On the first morning of the new year, each member of the family washes his face with fresh water from a bowl in which an apple is immersed with a coin placed inside. This custom is to ensure wealth and health for the next twelve months.

Bathing in an icy sea, the Netherlands

The tradition of bathing on the beach in Scheveningen began in 1965. It was then that a group of seven people on the first day of the new year immersed themselves in the icy North Sea. Today, the event has grown to such an extent that 10,000 people already participate.