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If you’re planning a rather alternative New Year holiday and you
want to celebrate overseas, here is what you can expect in
various countries.
In Japan, the New Years holiday lasts for three days and
is a time of solemn prayer. Most Japanese try to honor the
tradition of not carrying over any financial debts or tasks to
begin anew.
China
celebrates its New Year on the first lunar month of the first
lunar month, about 4 – 6 weeks before spring.
Parts of India celebrate the New Year between March and
April. In Iran, the New Year occurs on the day of the
vernal equinox. A Thai New Year is celebrated in April
by splashing water. A Hebrew New Year takes place over
the course of 7 days, honoring the seven days of Creation.
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In Scotland the New Year is called Hogmanay. An
interesting ritual of setting barrels of tar on fire and rolling
them down the streets sets the tone for a new year. It means
that the old year is burned up and the New Year is in with a
bang…literally!
Scotland isn’t the only country that celebrates the New Year
with fire. Cuba, Puerto Rico and Columbia a male
doll stuffed with old clothes is set ablaze, signifying the
death of the old Mr. New Year and celebrating the birth of the
young New Year arrival.
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In Spain at the stroke of midnight, people eat 12 grapes,
one grape for each clock chime. This new tradition originated
early in the twentieth century when a bumper harvest in Spain
produced too many grapes just in time for New Years Eve. At a
loss as to what to do with them, the King of Spain began the
eating of 12 grapes. Talk about innovative thinking!
In North America, it comes on the tail end of Christmas,
adding even more festivity to this special occasion.
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Unfortunately it also adds to the expense of the holiday season,
making New Years getaways difficult for those who live on a
budget.
Fortunately there are travel deals available for discounted
New Years packages, although if you want a significant
discount, even up to 70% off, you may have to settle for a
locale you didn’t want. Still, a holiday packaged at a
substantial discount is nothing to sniff at.
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Alternatively there’s nothing wrong with staying home and
enjoying New Years with friends and loved ones. In the end, all
that really matters is spending a New Year celebration in a
manner that provides enjoyment and a promise for a peaceful new
beginning.
Happy New Year!
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