Cheers to the new year 2025! We wish you all an amazing year in 2025. One of the most exciting times of the year is the New Year, and everyone has a favorite method to start again. Here at Civitatis, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite international New Year's customs. Join us as we explore the various ways people celebrate the new year throughout the world, from Colombia to the Philippines!
Read Also: What role does the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year’s Concert play in Austrian celebrations?
The Meaning Behind New Year’s Eve Traditional Symbols 2025
Italy
You should travel to Italy on December 31st if you want to partake in one of the more therapeutic New Year's Eve customs. On New Year's Eve, furniture is thrown out of windows all around Italy, but especially in Naples!
The purpose of this project is to welcome a fresh start and drive out negative memories of the last year by dumping your old furniture onto the street. But don't worry, most people just throw soft objects to the ground these days!
China
Numerous customs are connected to the Lunar New Year in China, but are you aware of their origins? Legend has it that every New Year, a ruthless monster known as Nian—now the Chinese term for "year"—preyed on towns. The locals made loud sounds, burnt bamboo, and decorated their homes with crimson trimmings to ward off the beast. The strategy was successful, and the dazzling hues, dazzling lights, and deafening sounds that were used to frighten Nian away are now a part of the New Year's festivities!
Cleaning their homes to get rid of bad luck and start the New Year off correctly is the first step in this 15-day festival that revolves around the home and family. Red couplets, Chinese coins tied with a red ribbon, red or gold mystic knots, and red Chinese lanterns are among the lucky and prosperous symbols they use to adorn their houses.
Ethiopia
September marks the celebration of Enkutatash, Ethiopia's New Year. The Bible's claim that Heaven and Earth were formed in September is one of the reasons Enkutatash is observed this month. The start of spring, a season that represents the rebirth of life, makes this month a time for celebration as well. The 22nd of September is a particularly memorable month since there are precisely equal amounts of daylight and dark hours.
The Philippines
In the Philippines, a lot of people believe that circular symbols are lucky. In order to find good luck charms for the upcoming year, many individuals search for round things on New Year's Eve!
Putting a lot of round fruits on the table, wearing apparel with polka dots, and even carrying a large amount of cash in your pocket are common instances of such items. You may welcome luck and good fortune into your home on New Year's Eve by bringing items with this form inside!
Must Know: How were traditional outfits modified to adapt to different climates or practical needs during New Year celebrations?
India
Every state in India celebrates a distinct New Year event on a different day since the country is so culturally varied. What a never-ending celebration! These are only a handful of them:
On the first day of the first Hindu month, Chaitra, people celebrate Ugadi, the Telgu and Kannada New Year. Mango leaves and marigold flowers are used to adorn dwellings in these states. A major component of New Year's customs, Ugadi Pachadi is a meal with six distinct tastes that represents the diverse emotions of life.
Another is Rongali Bihu, a multi-day, large-scale spring celebration in Assam. Wearing traditional clothing, men and women joyfully enjoy the abundance of nature by performing Bihu dances and folk music!
On the first day of the Tamil month of Chittirai, people celebrate Puthandu, also known as the Tamil New Year. A joyful dinner follows the puja rites, which include presenting flowers to a deity or washing them, and rangolis, colorful artwork said to bring luck and wealth.
Come to India with us if you want to experience any of these customs or others.
The Netherlands
Taking a cold plunge in the water is arguably the most notorious New Year's custom in the Netherlands! The Polar Bear Plunge, also known as Nieuwjaarsduik, is a practice that is said to provide a new beginning to the year. This is the most famous New Year's plunge in Scheveningen, if you want to sign up for a bracing start to the year.
Not to be overlooked are Amsterdam's wild street festivities on New Year's Eve! Although there are other places to party, such as Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt, and Leidseplein, the one in Dam Square is perhaps the most bizarre. Music, fireworks, beer tents, and oliebollen (oily balls) are all available at these venues. Naturally, these deep-fried dough balls are a requirement as they are thought to fend off evil spirits in the New Year!
Colombia
Since it's all about traveling, we love one of Colombia's New Year's Eve customs! There is a well-known superstition among many Colombians regarding their baggage on December 31st.
Locals carry their baggage with them when they go on errands or take a stroll around the neighborhood on this particular day. This is thought to ensure a lot of travel and exciting experiences in the upcoming year. Let's toast to it!
Iran
On the spring equinox, Iranians celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. There is a lot of symbolism around rebirth and rejuvenation in this spring event.
The Haft Seen, a representation of the seven creations and the seven holy immortals who guard them, is one such tradition. Items that begin with the letter "S." comprise the Haft Seen. Seeb (apple), Sabze (green grass), Serke (vinegar), Samanoo (wheat dish), Senjed (a kind of fruit), Sekke (coin), and Seer (garlic) are often among them. As a reminder that today is the seventh feast of creation, people may also plant seven wheatgrass seeds. The growing seeds represent rebirth and fresh development.
Burning bonfires and leaping over them while singing a traditional song is another custom! In order to prepare for the upcoming year, the jumping and the singing are both interpreted as symbols of cleansing and conquering the obstacles of the past year.
You May Also Like: How were traditional outfits modified to adapt to different climates or practical needs during New Year celebrations?
Cambodia
At the conclusion of their harvest season in April, Cambodia celebrates the New Year for three days. At shrines, people honor Buddha and offer prayers for peace and prosperity on the first day by lighting candles and burning incense sticks. Folks will wash their feet before bed, their chests at midday, and their faces in the morning with holy water for good fortune. Offerings are made to the less fortunate on the second day. A dedication ceremony for their ancestors is also attended by families. Statues of Buddha or their seniors are washed on the third day, signifying the removal of negative deeds and the introduction of luck, joy, and wealth.
Rajesh Kumar
Cheers to the new year 2025! We wish you all an amazing year in 2025. One of the most exciting times of the year is the New Year, and everyone has a favorite method to start again. Here at Civitatis, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite international New Year's customs. Join us as we explore the various ways people celebrate the new year throughout the world, from Colombia to the Philippines!
Read Also: What role does the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year’s Concert play in Austrian celebrations?
The Meaning Behind New Year’s Eve Traditional Symbols 2025
Italy
You should travel to Italy on December 31st if you want to partake in one of the more therapeutic New Year's Eve customs. On New Year's Eve, furniture is thrown out of windows all around Italy, but especially in Naples!
The purpose of this project is to welcome a fresh start and drive out negative memories of the last year by dumping your old furniture onto the street. But don't worry, most people just throw soft objects to the ground these days!
China
Numerous customs are connected to the Lunar New Year in China, but are you aware of their origins? Legend has it that every New Year, a ruthless monster known as Nian—now the Chinese term for "year"—preyed on towns. The locals made loud sounds, burnt bamboo, and decorated their homes with crimson trimmings to ward off the beast. The strategy was successful, and the dazzling hues, dazzling lights, and deafening sounds that were used to frighten Nian away are now a part of the New Year's festivities!
Cleaning their homes to get rid of bad luck and start the New Year off correctly is the first step in this 15-day festival that revolves around the home and family. Red couplets, Chinese coins tied with a red ribbon, red or gold mystic knots, and red Chinese lanterns are among the lucky and prosperous symbols they use to adorn their houses.
Ethiopia
September marks the celebration of Enkutatash, Ethiopia's New Year. The Bible's claim that Heaven and Earth were formed in September is one of the reasons Enkutatash is observed this month. The start of spring, a season that represents the rebirth of life, makes this month a time for celebration as well. The 22nd of September is a particularly memorable month since there are precisely equal amounts of daylight and dark hours.
The Philippines
In the Philippines, a lot of people believe that circular symbols are lucky. In order to find good luck charms for the upcoming year, many individuals search for round things on New Year's Eve!
Putting a lot of round fruits on the table, wearing apparel with polka dots, and even carrying a large amount of cash in your pocket are common instances of such items. You may welcome luck and good fortune into your home on New Year's Eve by bringing items with this form inside!
Must Know: How were traditional outfits modified to adapt to different climates or practical needs during New Year celebrations?
India
Every state in India celebrates a distinct New Year event on a different day since the country is so culturally varied. What a never-ending celebration! These are only a handful of them:
On the first day of the first Hindu month, Chaitra, people celebrate Ugadi, the Telgu and Kannada New Year. Mango leaves and marigold flowers are used to adorn dwellings in these states. A major component of New Year's customs, Ugadi Pachadi is a meal with six distinct tastes that represents the diverse emotions of life.
Another is Rongali Bihu, a multi-day, large-scale spring celebration in Assam. Wearing traditional clothing, men and women joyfully enjoy the abundance of nature by performing Bihu dances and folk music!
On the first day of the Tamil month of Chittirai, people celebrate Puthandu, also known as the Tamil New Year. A joyful dinner follows the puja rites, which include presenting flowers to a deity or washing them, and rangolis, colorful artwork said to bring luck and wealth.
Come to India with us if you want to experience any of these customs or others.
The Netherlands
Taking a cold plunge in the water is arguably the most notorious New Year's custom in the Netherlands! The Polar Bear Plunge, also known as Nieuwjaarsduik, is a practice that is said to provide a new beginning to the year. This is the most famous New Year's plunge in Scheveningen, if you want to sign up for a bracing start to the year.
Not to be overlooked are Amsterdam's wild street festivities on New Year's Eve! Although there are other places to party, such as Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt, and Leidseplein, the one in Dam Square is perhaps the most bizarre. Music, fireworks, beer tents, and oliebollen (oily balls) are all available at these venues. Naturally, these deep-fried dough balls are a requirement as they are thought to fend off evil spirits in the New Year!
Colombia
Since it's all about traveling, we love one of Colombia's New Year's Eve customs! There is a well-known superstition among many Colombians regarding their baggage on December 31st.
Locals carry their baggage with them when they go on errands or take a stroll around the neighborhood on this particular day. This is thought to ensure a lot of travel and exciting experiences in the upcoming year. Let's toast to it!
Iran
On the spring equinox, Iranians celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. There is a lot of symbolism around rebirth and rejuvenation in this spring event.
The Haft Seen, a representation of the seven creations and the seven holy immortals who guard them, is one such tradition. Items that begin with the letter "S." comprise the Haft Seen. Seeb (apple), Sabze (green grass), Serke (vinegar), Samanoo (wheat dish), Senjed (a kind of fruit), Sekke (coin), and Seer (garlic) are often among them. As a reminder that today is the seventh feast of creation, people may also plant seven wheatgrass seeds. The growing seeds represent rebirth and fresh development.
Burning bonfires and leaping over them while singing a traditional song is another custom! In order to prepare for the upcoming year, the jumping and the singing are both interpreted as symbols of cleansing and conquering the obstacles of the past year.
You May Also Like: How were traditional outfits modified to adapt to different climates or practical needs during New Year celebrations?
Cambodia
At the conclusion of their harvest season in April, Cambodia celebrates the New Year for three days. At shrines, people honor Buddha and offer prayers for peace and prosperity on the first day by lighting candles and burning incense sticks. Folks will wash their feet before bed, their chests at midday, and their faces in the morning with holy water for good fortune. Offerings are made to the less fortunate on the second day. A dedication ceremony for their ancestors is also attended by families. Statues of Buddha or their seniors are washed on the third day, signifying the removal of negative deeds and the introduction of luck, joy, and wealth.