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Life

New Years Traditions Around The World

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Tiffany Joseph
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Sandy Trager

This is a sponsored feature. All opinions are 100% from Her Campus.

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Broward chapter.

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?! Should old acquaintance be forgot, and days of auld land syne! Just like how Christmas is different in every country, New Year’s is different in every country as well. As well all know that in the United States of America, we watch the ball drop either from the good ol’ New York City, Times Square or in the comfort of our own homes. This is the culture of New Year’s of North America, now let us learn how other countries celebrate the New Year!

Colombia

Having some hard cash either in your hand or in your pocket when the clock strikes 12 is believed to bring financial security and stability. 

Spain

A grape is eaten for every chime during the last 12 seconds of the year. Consume all 12 and gain good luck for the entire year.

Jamaica

Many locals attend a watch – night service. This is a favourite of those who prefer to start the new year on a religious note.

Japan

At Usokae Shinji, people line up to exchange last year’s bullfinch figurines for new ones. It is symbolic of ridding oneself of lies from the past and exchanging them for truths.

Mexico

Writing down everything bad that’s going on in your life, or that’s happened over the past year, and then burning it ensures bad vibes stay away.

United Kingdom

Church bells are traditionally associated with public events, so it is customary for bells to chime at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Turkey

Wearing red underwear is considered to bring good luck on New Year’s Eve. There are often stalls selling red lingerie at the end of the year.

Denmark

At the stroke of midnight, plates are smashed. This act is believed to bring good luck.

Ecuador

Effigies of public figures such as politicians and pop stars are burnt. This is a symbolic cleansing of bad vibes from the previous 12 months.

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Tiffany Joseph

Broward '20

I'm Miss. Congeniality of Broward College North Campus, Events Coordinator of the Psychology Club at Broward College North Campus, new president of Her Campus Broward, I work for Student Services at Broward College North Campus, and I just like to get involved in many great activities that benefit my personal growth.
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Student at Broward College for the past five years, first enrolled on Davie's Central Campus learning Physical Therapy for two years than, transferring to Coconut Creeks North campus for the last three years, now majoring in Early Childhood / Developmental Education. Spent first year with Her campus Broward as Outreach Director, former president of self-entitled campus friendship club, Sammy's Buddy Brigade, member of the Campus Science Club, and a Broward County local student Ambassador with Best Buddies International. Winner of the Sammy's award for most charity work within the community, and now Vice President of Her Campus Broward. I hope to soon be working at Junior Achievement with the elementary and middle school children, in order to have a well rounded experience! The hope is to one day work with and teach children who have special needs such as myself! Biggest belief and philosophy of life is that, no matter what anyone says you can't accomplish in life, I am living proof that anything is possible! Having ADHD, high functioning Autism, and medical conditions such as Scoliosis, helps me to understand special needs children on a level that very few people can! It is this very knowledge that led me to choose Teaching as my chosen profession. Now at age 42, and more than 55% on the way to getting an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, I hope to become an Assistant Teacher within the next year or so. We hope that this true life story will inspire others to never give up either, no matter what anybody says, or tells you, that you can't do, the only one who can truly hold you back is "YOU".