New Year's traditions have united families, and the world, for ages

As the calendar turns to Jan. 1, millions of families across the globe experience many different kinds of traditions to ring in the New Year. These customs vary from culture to culture and represent more than just festive activities. They are threads woven into the fabric of history, connecting us to our ancestors of the past and the generations yet to come.

New Year's family traditions through the ages, around world

It is these New Year family traditions that are one of humanity's oldest rites, dating back to ancient civilizations. The Babylonians held one of the first recorded New Year festivities some 4,000 years ago, not in January, but in March, to coincide with the spring equinox. Their 11-day festival, called Akitu, involved a different ritual on each day, including the crowning of a new king or reaffirming loyalty to the reigning one.

The Romans, after numerous changes to their calendar, eventually marked Jan. 1 as the New Year under Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. January was named after Janus, the two-faced god who looked backward into the past and forward into the future. This symbolism is particularly fitting as we too reflect on the year that has passed and anticipate the one to come.

Family traditions are celebrated in numerous ways across the world.

In Spain, for example, when the clock strikes midnight, families gather to eat 12 grapes, one at each bell toll. This tradition, which started in the early 20th century, is said to bring good luck for each month of the coming year. It may be a bit frantic to stuff that many grapes in your mouth that fast, but it is an interesting way to start the New Year, with each grape representing hope for the months ahead.

Then, there is Scotland's first-footing tradition. The practice of first-footing is integral to Hogmanay, the Scots word for the last day of the year. After midnight, it is considered good luck for the first person to enter a home to be a dark-haired male, bringing gifts such as coal or whiskey. This tradition stems from the Viking days, when a blond stranger arriving at your door in the middle of the night usually meant trouble.

In Japan, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times at midnight in a tradition known as Joya no Kane. Each ring represents one of the 108 earthly temptations a person must overcome to achieve Nirvana. Families often listen to the bells together, reflecting on the meaning of the passing year.

In the Southern United States, families serve collard greens and black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. The greens are said to represent money, the peas for coins, symbolizing prosperity. This tradition dates back to the Civil War era and is still a delicious part of many New Year’s Day meals.

Families often create their own New Year's traditions

While ancient traditions have set the foundation for New Year’s celebrations, modern families often create their own customs that can be just as meaningful, like the resolution jar. Each family member writes down aspirations for the new year on a piece of paper and places it in the jar. The following New Year's Eve, the family opens the jar to reflect on the accomplishments and setbacks of the year, supposedly fostering a sense of growth and togetherness.

Another take is the New Year's time capsule. Families fill a box with current year memorabilia — photos, letters and small trinkets. The box is sealed until a designated future date. This tradition not only preserves memories but also acts as a poignant reminder of the family's journey together.

In an increasingly connected world, families separated by distance can turn to virtual celebrations. Video calls and live streams have become a reality, and they bring families together to share the turning of the year, ensuring that no one has to miss out on the communal spirit of the holiday.

What truly matters is at the heart of all these traditions. It is the need to connect with one another and to mark the passage of time. It's a chance to forgive the troubles of the past, to hope for a brighter future, and to commit to personal and communal growth.

As we stand on the threshold of another year, let's remember the richness of the customs that have been passed down to us. Let’s also not be afraid to create new ones with our loved ones, adding our own threads to the tapestry of tradition. Whether we're nibbling on grapes, listening to the reverberating temple bells, or sharing our resolutions via video chat, these traditions are more than just rituals. They are affirmations of our shared humanity and the bonds that hold us together through the changing years.

As Jan. 1 approaches, take a moment to appreciate the diverse ways in which we all celebrate the transition to a new year. New Year's traditions serve as an annual reminder that, while time may pass and years may change, the love we share and the memories we create with our families remain constant.

Let us embrace the New Year with hope and joy, cherishing the customs that unite us and forge new ones that future generations will remember with fondness. Here's to a year filled with love, happiness and the enduring warmth of family traditions.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

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Bill Gindlesperger is a central Pennsylvanian, Dickinson College graduate, Pennsylvania System Of Higher Education (PASSHE) Governor, Shippensburg University Trustee, and Chairman of eLynxx Solutions. eLynxx provides cloud-software to source and manage print and mail marketing. He is a board member, campaign advisor, successful entrepreneur, published author and commentator. He can be reached at Bill.Gindlesperger@eLynxx.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: New Year's traditions offer hope to families, now and through the ages