Hello, Bruins, and welcome to 2026! As the new year begins, people all around the world are celebrating in many different ways. From watching fireworks to making New Year’s resolutions, traditions help mark a fresh start and add extra excitement to the new year. Some traditions have been passed down for generations, some may be new, and some may only be done by certain cultures, families, or religions. Nevertheless, traditions make holidays like this one all the more fun and special.
A widespread New Year’s tradition is a firework showcase. According to an article written by sttammanylibrary.org, this tradition began in China because they invented fireworks. The Chinese used fireworks to scare off evil spirits and misfortune in the New Year. Now we are blessed with not only a ritual to scare off spirits and bring luck, but also a beautiful celebratory explosion of colors in the sky.
The annual New York Times Ball Drop is another iconic tradition! During the Ball Drop, a crystal ball descends to mark the last seconds of the year. The event was created by the New York Times in 1907. It was meant for timekeeping and is now a worldwide symbol for the next fresh start, something most are eager to begin.
The traditional Irish New Year’s Eve door custom is a lesser-known New Year’s tradition. According to irishstar.com, all the doors would be opened at the stroke of midnight to let go of the old year and welcome in the new one. Through the open doors, any negative energy from the old year would escape, making room for new, positive energy that the New Year provides. Some people also like to take the tradition a step further and open the windows, too. Along with this tradition were a couple of ways to ward off any evil spirits and negative vibes still remaining. One of which is to make as much noise as they can when the clock strikes midnight, because old folklore says that the devil and its associates hate loud noises. Another tactic used in some Irish homes was placing a lemon just inside the open door. Sour citrus fruit was another believed form of protection against the evil spirits.
The last tradition I will cover for this article is one popular in Mexico, Colombia, and other Latin American countries. Holidayextras.com explained the tradition of running with an empty suitcase at the end of the year. It is done to manifest a year full of travel, new experiences, and adventures. The tradition is a symbol of making space for upcoming journeys and new beginnings. I’d recommend this tradition to those seeking a new adventure and travel experience.
No matter how a culture celebrates New Year’s, there always seems to be one common denominator: a fresh start. Dearest reader, I hope that in 2026, you choose to live your life the best way you can. Make sure this year is full of “I can’t believe I did that!” rather than “I regret not doing it.” Best of wishes for 2026.
