2023-12-30 23:53:12
Firecrackers, streamers, New Year’s resolutions, bell ringing and toasting with champagne at midnight…
December 31st is traditionally celebrated as New Year’s Eve. But where does the festival come from and what exactly is behind the different traditions?
Read here everything about the origins of New Year’s Eve and the typical traditions that cannot be missed on December 31st!
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The origin of all New Year’s Eve celebrations
New Year’s Eve – a festival with Roman roots and Christian meaning: New Year’s Eve has its roots in Christian tradition and has its origins in Roman times.
Pope Silvester I gave the festival its name. Saint Sylvester was elected Pope in 314 and died on December 31, 335.
The spectacular fire festivals that we celebrate at the turn of the year have their roots with the ancient Germanic peoples. The name “New Year’s Eve” was later used for it, in 1582. That year, the last day of the year was moved from December 25th to the anniversary of New Year’s death.
Who’s free on New Year’s Eve?
Although New Year’s Eve is celebrated with drums and trumpets, according to the Federal Holiday Act it is not a public holiday – just like Christmas. In 2023, you’re in luck: December 31st falls on a Sunday, so you can enjoy a day off. In all other cases, the obligation to work generally applies.
But don’t worry! January 1st is a public holiday throughout Germany. So nobody has to work on Monday.
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Typical traditions in Germany
★ During the mystical rough nights, ghosts return home and demons lurk in the darkness. On the nights from Christmas to January 6th, our ancestors believed that spirits returned home in the darkness.
In order to keep demons away from their homes and to defy evil spirits, the place of residence was smoked with incense. These “rough nights” are 12 nights that are intended to indicate the twelve months. Lead casting also goes back to the Raunächte.
For many, lead or wax casting is a New Year’s Eve tradition
Photo: picture alliance / dpa topic service
Lead casting and wax casting are fascinating traditions at private New Year’s Eve celebrations. You choose a piece of wax or tin, heat it, melt it and pour the liquid mass into cold water. The resulting figure is supposed to predict your future.
★ A New Year’s Eve without fireworks? Inconceivably! The Germanic tribes founded the tradition of the New Year’s Eve fire. At the end of the year, they held a fire ceremony to drive away evil spirits with fire and noise. The first real fireworks lit up the sky in 1506.
★ An unmissable classic: The 18-minute black and white sketch “Dinner for One” runs every year, so don’t worry if you miss it this year! Miss Sophie celebrates her 90th birthday every year.
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★ On New Year’s Eve, culinary delicacies such as traditional carp bring good luck for the coming year! Keep a New Year’s carp scale in your wallet to attract wealth and good luck in the New Year. Eating lentil or pea soup is also said to bring prosperity and good luck in the new year. However, avoid poultry, otherwise the expected happiness will quickly disappear!
A sweet surprise awaits at the turn of the year: the Berliner filled with jam. In many places you can expect a Berliner filled with mustard. Anyone who gets this will probably have less luck next year. Everyone else can consider themselves lucky!
★ Feuerzangenbowle and sparkling wine should not be missing either! Whether for a toast or to liven up the mood: these classics should not be missing at any celebration! Raclette and fondue combine all these delicacies!
Customs in other countries
The marzipan pig is said to bring good luck on New Year’s Eve and is given as a gift at the end of the year, especially in Austria
Foto: picture alliance / imageBROKER
★ Italy
In Italy people traditionally wear red underwear. This tradition is also known in Germany, but is less widespread. According to this tradition, underwear only brings good luck at the New Year if it was not bought by yourself.
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★Japan
Before the festivals begin in Japan, a huge task awaits: thorough house cleaning! Before the celebration you have to clean up first.
★ China
In China, people traditionally welcome the New Year with their windows wide open. Shortly before midnight, the Chinese open all the windows and turn on the lights to attract luck into the house.
★ England
If you want to experience the breathtaking spectacle of a massive fireworks display, you should go to the “London Eye” in England on New Year’s Eve. In addition to the spectacle, people dress up in unusual costumes. When the bells ring in the New Year, the British sing “Auld Lang Syne.”
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