Celebrating New Year: Traditions Around the World

          Audio File of the Article

Celebrating New Year: Traditions Around the World

The New Year is a time of celebration and hope. People all over the world welcome the New Year in unique and exciting ways. Let us take a look at some traditions that make this day special.

The United Kingdom In the United Kingdom, New Year’s Eve is a festive occasion. Many people attend parties or watch fireworks displays. A popular tradition is singing “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. This Scottish song reminds everyone to remember old friends and good times.

Spain In Spain, people eat twelve grapes at midnight. Each grape represents one month of the year. They believe this brings good luck and success. Eating the grapes on time can be tricky, but it is a fun way to start the year.

Japan In Japan, New Year’s celebrations are calm and meaningful. Families clean their homes to remove bad luck. They also visit shrines to pray for health and happiness. Many people enjoy a special dish called “osechi ryori,” which includes foods that symbolise good fortune.

Brazil Brazil celebrates New Year with beach parties and fireworks. Many people wear white clothes for peace and prosperity. At midnight, some throw flowers into the ocean as an offering to the sea goddess, Yemanjá, for blessings.

South Africa In South Africa, people celebrate with music, dancing, and fireworks. Some areas in the country have unique traditions, like throwing old furniture out of the window. This act symbolises letting go of the past and welcoming the future.

Why Are Traditions Important? New Year traditions bring people together. They help us feel connected to our culture and each other. No matter how you celebrate, the New Year is a chance for a fresh start.

Grammar Notes

• The article uses present simple tense to describe traditions (e.g., “People eat twelve grapes at midnight”).
• It includes modal verbs like “can” to express possibility or ability (e.g., “Eating the grapes on time can be tricky”).
• Prepositions of time are used, such as “at midnight” and “in Japan.”

Grammar Lesson:

Present Simple Tense: This tense is used for habits and general truths. To form it, use the base verb for most subjects (e.g., “I eat”) and add “-s” for third-person singular (e.g., “He eats”). Example: People sing songs during celebrations.

Five Questions Based on the Article

• • What song do people sing in the United Kingdom at midnight?

  • How many grapes do people eat in Spain to bring good luck?

  • What do families in Japan do before the New Year begins?

  • Why do people in Brazil wear white clothes on New Year’s Eve?

  • What unique tradition involves old furniture in South Africa?

     

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Join the conversation by leaving a comment below. Sharing your insights, questions, or experiences can help you connect with others in our English learning community. It’s a great way to practice your English skills, engage with like-minded individuals, and improve together. Don’t be shy—jump in and let’s keep the discussion going!