With 2020 (thankfully?) coming to a close, its a good time to reflect on the past 12 months and look ahead to what the next year will bring. People around the world celebrate the start of a new year in many unique ways, from throwing plates in Denmark to soaking in herbal baths in Sri Lanka. Of course, they don’t all happen on December 31st!
If you’re looking for inspiration to ring in 2021, check out this list from Mango Languages, an online language learning resource (which is free with your library card):
Enjoy a 3-day-long water festival in Thailand
Nothing beats 3 whole days of water fights. That’s right – this is exactly how they celebrate the new year in villages and cities across Thailand. The symbolic celebration is called Songkran, which literally translates to “astrological passage” and signifies a transformation into the new year. On the 13th, 14th and 15th of April, streets are closed off as young and old alike take part in the water fights, with only a few rules to follow: always use clean water, make sure it’s not hot, and most importantly, come ready to get soaked.
Songkran participants also practice several symbolic traditions over the course of the 3 days, many also involving water. Visiting temples and offering food to the Buddhist monks is common, along with pouring water over Buddha statues to represent purification and cleansing of sins. Many young people will also pour water over the hands of their elders as a sign of respect. Especially in central Thailand, releasing animals such as cows, buffalo or fish is done as a good deed during this time.
Blow a trumpet made of ram’s horn in Israel
You’ve probably heard of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, but what you might not be as familiar with are some of its unique traditions — especially those taking place in Israel. During the two-day holiday, which falls in September or early October, almost all businesses are closed. Synagogues hold long services, during which special prayers and songs are recited to honor Jewish history. If you visit Israel during Rosh Hashanah, expect to see a few people by the river, shaking out their pockets, a Jewish custom called tashlich that represents casting one’s sins into the water.
One of the most important traditions of Rosh Hashanah involves blowing the shofar, or the ram’s horn trumpet, no less than 100 times. There are many reasons for blowing the shofar: it serves as a reminder to Jews to dedicate themselves to the Torah, it’s a symbol of God’s ultimate sovereignty, and it’s even a primal scream of the soul — just to name a few.
Throw plates in Denmark
Did you know that breaking plates can actually bring you more friends? Neither did we, until we heard about this awesome way that Denmark rings in the New Year. On the eve of December 31st, friends and family hurl dishes as hard they can at the doorsteps of loved ones. All you need are a few unwanted china dishes — bowls, plates, cups, all are welcome — and a bit of arm strength. The bigger the pile of china, the more friends they’ll have in the new year. Talk about a stress reliever!
Herbal bath cleanse in Sri Lanka
No broken dishes in Sri Lanka, just a nice soak in one of its many famous herbal baths. Known as Avurudu, the Sri Lankan celebration takes place in April and is considered a national holiday for both Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus in the country. Customs are typically focused around agriculture and giving thanks for the harvest.
One of these customs involves bathing on the last day of the year to celebrate and acknowledge its conclusion. The baths usually contain herbs such as mustard oil or gingelly oil for purification, which are traditionally anointed by an older person. Exchanging presents, playing various outdoor games, and preparing special dishes such as hath maluwa are also common activities during Avurudu celebrations in Sri Lanka.
Hit the beach in Brazil
Undoubtedly boasting one of the most famous New Year’s celebrations in the world, Brazil does not disappoint when it comes to a wild party. Each year, Rio de Janeiro’s sandy beaches (especially the well-known Copacabana) fill with millions of excited people from all over the globe for a night of incredible fireworks, thumping music, and delicious Brazilian food. While we may not be able to have a big party this New Year, try out some Brazilian lentils and rice (a local favorite), and be sure to wear white when taking part in the celebrations.
However you celebrate the New Year, we hope its a good one. And if your resolution is to learn a new language, Mango is one of many great resources available to you through the library!