As a new year begins, the celebration for it is blanketed by different traditions and customs that are practiced to achieve different things such as luck for the coming year or a positive outlook as the year starts. The Asian culture is rich in different beliefs and practices that abound the celebration of New Year. Oftentimes aiming to attain a positive output on the coming year, different Asian New Year traditions are set forth in preparation for New Year’s Day.
Fabric that is designed with polka dots is a popular choice in clothing in the Asian culture that is worn during New Year celebration. Wearing of different clothes with this design is assumed to bring wealth and fortune because the polka dots symbolize coins or money. Similar to the idea of polka dots, filling the dinner table with round fruits is also a popular New Year tradition in the Asian culture. Having a bountiful table of round fruits symbolizes richness and affluence for the coming year.
Creating loud noises when the clock strikes 12 o’clock on New Year’s Eve is also a tradition practiced in the Asian culture. This is done to drive away the negative aura as the year begins. It is also a way to express the joy felt as new hope is brought by the New Year. Lighting of fireworks is an activity that reverberate noise up in the sky and provides brightness in the darkness of the night.
Making a list of New Year’s resolution is not completely Asian but is highly regarded in the Asian culture. The practice of writing down personal promises of creating a better is also popular even in the Western culture.