Let's toast to the New Year!

Let's toast to the New Year!

Versión en español: ¡Brindemos por el año nuevo!

I have mentioned in the past that for people trying to learn about Latinos, it is difficult to understand that we come from more than 20 different countries with independent traditions and cultures.  But, on this occasion, I am going to talk about a common theme, New Year’s Eve celebrations!

Yes, New Year’s Eve is one of the most important celebrations we have.  There are many traditions we share.  Traditions that might look funny to you, or might seem crazy, or irrelevant, but traditions that for us make the closing of the year one of the most celebrated dates ever.

Here are a few of our traditions: “We” …

• Have a big celebration with friends and family.  It is a big festivity with food and Champagne.
• Have fireworks.
• Eat a grape and make a wish for each of the 12 rings of the bell at midnight.
• Wear yellow, red or pink clothing, preferable underwear, for good luck and good fortune.
• Go around the block with a suitcase full of cloths to bring lots of trips in the New Year.
• Eat lentils cooked without salt, or bring them uncooked in your pocket, to bring abundance of blessings in the New Year.
• Burn a doll, made of fabric, carrying notes with all the bad things that happened to you in the year ending.
• When live close to the ocean, jump over 7 waves to salute the goddess of the waters.

I wish I could continue because there are so many more celebrations, but there is not enough room in this entry to list them all.

Let’s say good-bye to this year and celebrate the birth of a new one.  Embrace the celebrations, and have a wonderful New Year!