Gaby
Why shoot off fireworks, throw out junk, pour water, and wait for gifts by the fireplace?
Cuba: Purging Sins
On the “Island of Freedom,” it’s customary for residents to fill clean dishes with water and pour the contents onto the street at midnight on Kings’ Day (as Cubans refer to New Year’s). This ritual serves as a unique form of cleansing from sins and a way to rid oneself of negative energies.
China: Scaring Away Enemies
Fireworks and firecrackers are inventions of the Asian world. With the loud sounds of gunfire and bright lights, the Chinese aim not for entertainment but to frighten: it’s a tradition to scare away evil spirits during the celebration. According to folklore, homes in China become particularly attractive to dark forces during the New Year, which can wreak havoc at night. Fireworks, firecrackers, and poppers are meant to keep uninvited guests from crashing the party. In China, everything burns and explodes around the clock on New Year’s.
Italy: Attracting Wealth
Italians clear out old junk on New Year’s to make room for new acquisitions. With dreams of wealth, it’s customary on festive nights in Italy to throw out items that have outlived their usefulness straight from the windows. The New Year rewards those who create more space for gifts.
Europe: Finding Gifts
Each country has designated spots for holiday gifts. In Sweden, the magical grandfather Tomte brings presents to the fireplace, in Germany, the Weihnachtsmann leaves gifts on the windowsill, while in the UK and France, it’s customary to hang Christmas stockings and boots by the fireplace for Santa Claus. It’s believed that the bearded guest in the red coat comes down the chimney, so children wait for gifts by the hearth.
England: Sending Greetings
The first New Year’s card was printed in London in 1843, and it was here that the tradition of sending written messages with holiday wishes began. The English custom of exchanging such greetings was embraced by Americans, who have since surpassed the British in their love for cards: today, the U.S. holds the record for the most New Year’s messages sent.
America: Lighting Up Without Fire
Americans also made their mark by inventing a way to decorate Christmas trees with safe lights. In the past, holiday trees often caught fire from the live flames of hazardous candles. The solution came from American telegraph operator and inventor Ralph Morris, who created the first string of electric lights. The inaugural electric garland was hung on a tree near the White House in 1895.
