York County has it’s own New Year’s Eve traditions, but what about the rest of the world? Watch the EarthCam to see different parts of the world ring in 2010. Foreign exchange students dicuss the customs of their home countries:
Ecuador: Each person eats 12 grapes before midnight, making a wish with each grape. People wear yellow underwear and walk around the block with a suitcase for good luck.
Brazil: People wear white clothes and jump seven times in the ocean waves. Each time is for something — the first time for luck, the next money and so on.
Japan: A person at the Buddhist temple rings a bell 107 times on Dec. 31 and one time on Jan. 1 for a total of 108 times for the 108 worldly desires humans have. Children get money from relatives.
Chile: Some people put corn on the dinner table, reflecting a wish of financial prosperity, and wine is served for future of enjoyment and excitement.
Senegal: They have two New Year’s celebrations: One on Dec. 31 and the other on the Muslim New Year. Young people dress up and go from house to house to dance and to ask for a present.
Russia: Most people are Orthodox Christians and celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7. On Jan. 1, some families open one of the presents that are hidden around the house.
Germany: The last day of the year is called “Silvester” in Germany because it’s the feast day of St. Sylvester. People wish one another a “good slide,” or good new year.
The Netherlands: People eat a Dutch sweet called oliebollen, which are raisin beignets.
(Photo: YDR file; Yuri Guiguer of Brazil wears white for good luck on New Year’s.)
