Articles and Stories

January 3, 2012

Pope Sylvester, also called the first “peace Pope”, after centuries of bloody persecution, served as pope from 314 to 335 AD; he died on December 31. In the West, the liturgical feast of Saint Sylvester is on December 31st. Accordingly, this last day in the year in German-speaking countries and in some others close to them, New Year’s Eve is known as ‘Sylvester’. In other countries, the day is referred to as Saint Sylvester’s Day. In Brazil, the long-distance running event Saint Sylvester Road Race occurs every year on 31 December.

The Babylonians are supposed to have been the first to make New Year’s resolutions (they probably broke them too.). The early Christians believed the first day of the New Year should be spent reflecting on mistakes done the last year and making resolutions to improve in the coming year.

Services thanking God for the blessings of the last year and seeking blessings for the new one are common, as well as special Sylvester treats.

Every country has its own customs for New Year’s Eve and the first day of the New Year. All of these customs are rooted in the wish for a healthy, happy and successful new year.

Even if we are not superstitious and don’t believe in the old customs, most people will avoid doing anything that could possibly influence the outcome of the New Year in the wrong way. We all try to start things out on the right foot.

With that belief in mind, we think positive thoughts the first minutes of the new year, some resolutions are formed in our heads, we kiss our loved-ones, raise our glasses, honk horns, light fire works and consume “lucky foods”.

How do customs and “lucky foods” vary from country to country?

• Austrians: miniature pink pigs made of marzipan are eaten for good luck
• Brazil: lentils are eaten for good luck. Their small appearance resembles coins so they are consumed with financial rewards in mind.
• Denmark: boiled cod. Some people keep a fishbone for good luck in their wallet throughout the year
• Germany and Poland: eating herring at midnight is said to bring good luck, the salty herring also helps should you have a hangover.
• France: eating oysters is believed to lock in a good year
• Greece: eating a cake with a coin inside; the person who gets the coin is said to have good luck throughout the coming year.
• Holland: a round doughnut-like fritter.
• Italy: pork sausage served over lentils. Pigs symbolize progress so pork is said to bring abundance while the lentils bring money.
• Japan: soba noodles are eaten at midnight. This buckwheat noodle is quite long, and those who can swallow at least one of them without chewing or breaking it are supposed to enjoy good luck and a long life. Also eaten for good luck and health are sticky rice cakes and herring roe is consumed for fertility, shrimp for long life, and dried sardines for a good harvest.
• Scotland: neighbors pay visits to each other and impart New Year’s wishes. It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in.
• Spain, Portugal and Mexico: Most people eat twelve grapes at midnight for good luck.

• Sweden: smorgasbord with a variety of fish dishes.
• Philippines: it’s important to have food on the table at midnight in order to ensure plenty food in the New Year.
• Vietnam: watermelon is often eaten – the redder the flesh, the more luck the family will have in the New Year.

Whatever your customs and traditions may be, World Translation Center wishes everybody a healthy and happy New Year!