One of the best things about Singapore is how multicultural it is. We celebrate so many holidays here, but not always the same way. If a friend from another culture invites you to a New Year’s Eve party, would you know what’s expected? Read on and find out!
I grew up in Texas where you absolutely must eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day if you want good luck for the coming year. My friend from Louisiana said her family added ham for health and collard greens for money. This tradition is so strongly ingrained that I actually travel with a can of black-eyed peas when we’ll be somewhere else for the first of January. One year, I couldn’t find a can opener and was in a flat-out cold sweat.
Odd? Not really. Superstitions are a part of many New Year’s traditions. Here are a few favourite traditions from across the globe.
Austria
At midnight, all the radio and television stations operated by the state broadcast the sound of the bell of St Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, followed by “The Blue Danube”. People across the country turn out into the streets to dance the waltz.
Belarus
Single women looking for lasting love sit in a circle, each with a pile of corn in front of them. A rooster is placed in the circle’s centre, and the woman whose grain heap it pecks first is believed to be the one who’ll get married first.
Brazil
If you head to Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro for New Year’s Eve, be sure to wear white. Here, people offer white flowers as gifts to Yamanja, the Afro-Brazilian queen of the sea. The floral gifts are placed on the water, some even in special boats, hoping the queen will bring them energy and strength.
Colombia
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than "hello" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.
Save your Spine at Work!
Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.
Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji
Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!
Festive Fashion Show!
As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!
48 Hours in Patong
CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.
Ticket to Thailand
Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!
Laying Out Memories Through Food
YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.
A Musical Community
The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.