The night of Saint Sylvester has always been one of the most celebrated: parties, dinners, dances and concerts follow one another all over the world to greet the arrival of the new year (and even Google – as in previous years – devotes today’s doodle at this event). The first to enter in 2021 will be the inhabitants of the Polynesian island of Tonga, followed by those of the States of Samoa and Kiribati. New Zealand, Australia and Japan are always the first major nations to celebrate the New Year, while the last to celebrate will be the inhabitants of the other archipelago. Samoa Islands, Americans.

But who was on New Years Eve?

Although it is associated with one of the most celebrated days on the calendar, New Year’s Eve is not known for its cheerfulness and lightness. Silvestro was dad during the time of the Roman emperor Costantino who, after long persecutions, recognized I the Christians freedom of worship. The saint also played an important role in revising the calendar and the days of the week, until then dedicated to pagan deities. Sylvestre died on December 31, 335, which at the time was not yet recognized as the last day of the year. In fact, up to 1,700 each region celebrated the New Year in one. different date: a Venice the first of March; in Tuscany March 25; in the South and in the islands on September 1. It was then decided to make it coincide with the date of the circumcision of jesus: since the Jews were subjected to the rite eight days after birth, it was appointed on January 1.

Lentils and pork sausage

The traditions linked to the New Year do not necessarily have a religious origin, but they are always customs lived with interest, both in Italy and abroad. In our country, we often choose to celebrate with a dinner that sees among its inevitable dishes Lentils, who are supposed to wear fortune e money. The custom dates back to the ancient Romans: at the start of the New Year, in fact, it was customary to offer friends a small leather bag, to tie at the belt, with lenses. The hope was that it all turns into money in the following months: theirs form in fact rounded like that of coins. Even the meat of Pig of cotechino and zampone symbol of abundance.

Red accessory or underwear

Another tradition has it that on New Year’s Eve you wear a colored dress, accessory or underwear. rosso. For even better luck, the garment must be a here (and not a purchase) and then be thrown the next day. There are several hypotheses on the origin of this custom. According to some, the origin goes back again to the Romanian who in ancient times celebrated the New Year by wearing a drape purple color. According to others, however, the tradition comes directly from China: in the East, red is the color associated with Good luck, often used in weddings as it is able to drive out the evil Nin spirit.

Fireworks and barrels

New Year’s celebrations are almost always related to fire, light and noise. In fact, in different cultures the baccano it is used to chase the evil spirits and put the demons to flight. The fal and the lamps lights have, since Antiquity, the function of light up the arrival of the new year. THE fireworks they allow the two aspects to merge and appease the start of a lucky year.

Traditions around the world

In Spain, at the stroke of midnight, they must eat twelve grapes: If you manage to eat one for each toll, luck is guaranteed for the twelve months of the year.

I Russians instead, they prefer to write their wishes on a note and then burn it. The ash it is placed inside the champagne glasses raised at the time of the toast.

In Brazil the color of the new year not red but the White: according to indigenous traditions, it allows to obtain peace and spiritual purification. Those who live in the coastal towns, at the stroke of midnight, run towards the sea: it is customary to jump seven waves and make a wish for everyone.

In Denmark there is another unusual tradition: the dishes chipped or broken and on New Years Eve plates and glasses are thrown on the door homes of relatives and friends. Contrary to what you might expect, the more shards you find outside your door the next morning, the more friends you have.

In Japan instead, this anniversary is celebrated in a more spiritual: the ceremonyhatsumode it consists of visiting a temple and attending the ceremony of the 108 blows. According to Buddhist tradition, by listening to the sounds of the bell, the soul is cleansed from the sins that afflict it.