New Year is a universal festivity filled with symbolism, superstitions, and moments of reflection. Whether marking the calendar turn or renewing hopes, this date is celebrated uniquely worldwide. However, these festivities' environmental and social impacts have sparked debates on how to make them more sustainable. Here, we explore global traditions, ways to integrate New Year into education, and methods to balance joy with environmental responsibility.

New Year traditions around the world

• Eating 12 Grapes – Spain: In Spain, eating one grape for each chime of the clock at midnight symbolizes luck for the next 12 months and wards off evil spirits.

• Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas – Southern United States: In Southern United States cuisine, black-eyed peas represent coins while collard greens signify dollar bills, both associated with prosperity.

• Walking with an Empty Suitcase – Latin America: In countries like Colombia and Mexico, carrying an empty suitcase around the house or street promises travels and new experiences in the coming year.

• Bursting a Pomegranate – Greece: In Greece, bursting a pomegranate on the ground symbolizes fertility and abundance, with each seed representing good luck.

These recipes showcase how New Year unites universal wishes for luck and renewal with unique customs that enrich the celebration.

New Year in education: multidisciplinary learning

Celebrating New Year offers learning opportunities that connect history, culture, and citizenship.

1. Historical perspectives

Students can explore how ancient civilizations marked the beginning of a new cycle:

• Babylonians celebrated in March aligned with harvests.

• Egyptians linked the date to the Nile's flood.

• The Gregorian calendar, adopted in 1582, fixed January 1st as the official start.

Activities like creating timelines help compare ancient and modern traditions, promoting historical and cultural understanding.

2. Modern symbols and customs

Analyzing current celebrations, such as Sydney's fireworks or the New Year's Eve in Times Square, enriches learning. Songs like Auld Lang Syne and symbols like "Father Time" can be discussed, while students create themes of renewal and hope.

3. Community resolutions

Beyond personal resolutions, students can propose actions to improve the community, such as supporting food banks or environmental initiatives. Projects focused on citizenship connect New Year's reflections to positive social impacts.

Sustainability in New Year

New Year celebrations, often marked by fireworks, have significant environmental impacts.

Problems with fireworks

Fireworks release toxic particles into the air, such as heavy metals, which can pollute the atmosphere and water for days, affecting natural habitats. Large cities frequently record pollution spikes after festivities.

Reduction measures

Some countries are already implementing actions to mitigate these impacts:

• China and India: Strict restrictions on the use of fireworks in urban areas.

• Luxembourg: Fines for those who violate the rules.

• Germany: Campaigns promoting sustainable celebrations.

Sustainable alternatives

New forms of celebration are gaining prominence:

• Drone and Laser Shows: Impressive visual spectacles without toxic emissions.

• Eco-friendly Decorations: Using biodegradable confetti, paper lanterns, and LED lights.

• Community Parties: Events focused on social interaction and environmental awareness.

New Year as an opportunity for transformation

New Year is traditionally a moment of renewal and hope, but it can be a valuable opportunity to reflect on the impact of our actions on the environment and society. With an increasingly climate-conscious world, year-end celebrations invite us to rethink traditional practices and adopt more sustainable habits without losing the date's charm and symbolism.

Opting for sustainable alternatives, such as drone or laser shows instead of fireworks, biodegradable confetti, and silent celebrations, is an important step. These choices reduce environmental impacts and have the potential to inspire others to reflect on their practices.

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References

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VINCENT, J. 15 Christmas Dishes from Around the World. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/christmas-dishes-from-around-the-world. Accessed on: Nov. 25, 2024.

ISLAM, M. Z. Is celebration of New Year and other festivals worth their environmental impact? The Geographical Journal, vol. 190, no. 4, 2024.

MONTGOMERY, S.; CHRISTIE, E. New Year Celebrations in the USA and Around the World. Social Studies and the Young Learner, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 14–18, 2011.

YETIKYEL, G. 10 New Year’s Superstitions from Around the World. Available at: https://www.vogue.com/article/new-years-eve-traditions. Accessed on: Nov. 25, 2024.