THREE…TWO…ONE! Happy New Year! Felice Anno Nuovo! Bliadhna mhath ur! While New Year celebrations in many parts of the world consist of fireworks, ball dropping and bar hopping, some countries ring in the New Year with pretty interesting traditions that date back hundreds, even thousands of years. This week, Explorica takes a look at some unique customs in Italy, the land down under and the lively Gaelic country of Scotland.
New Years, Italian Style
When in Italy, food is sure to be on the brain – and in the belly. It’s not surprising that “La Fiesta di San Silvestro,” New Years Eve in Italy, is full of feasting with friends and family. And what meal wouldn’t be complete without stuffed pig’s trotter? The guests of honor for the New Years feast include lentils, which symbolize money and good fortune, cotechino, or spiced sausage and zampone, stuffed pigs trotter (the foot of the pig – yum!). The pork options symbolize richness in life and health for the year to come. There’s no room at this table for evil spirits, so, to ward off any demons one Italian tradition involves lighting a fire on New Year’s Eve. Once the evil spirits have been scared away plenty of room is left for good things to enter the home for the New Year. This Christian custom is also tied to the tale of the Virgin Mary entering homes to warm her newborn son.
In some parts of Italy, one custom still practiced has people throwing old things out their windows as a gesture of readiness for the New Year. Things range from old clothing to even furniture. Don’t forget your hard hats! No protective gear is needed for the dazzling fireworks and music festivals that line the countryside. One particular celebration in St. Mark’s Square (which you’ll see on our tour of Venice), has helped put Venice on the map as one of the most romantic cities in the world. Here, Italians and travelers celebrate with a lively celebration full of music, fireworks and, of course, a giant group kiss at midnight. This kiss, a relatively new tradition, has helped seal Venice’s romantic reputation. In 2009 the event drew a record breaking 70,000 people. If you’re as superstitious as some Italians, don’t forget to wear your red underwear on New Years. It’s known to bring great luck for the New Year. Ciao Bella!