A Fresh start: New Year traditions, beliefs, and expectations

Welcoming the New Year is more than just a celebration. It’s an occasion steeped in tradition and history that makes up the heritage and culture of the place where it is being celebrated. In a world that often feels overwhelming, traditions sometimes serve as simple reminders that while there is life, there is hope.

The beginning of a new year is commonly regarded in Southeast Asia as a fresh start, a chance to reset and start anew and embrace brighter opportunities. For many countries in the region, the New Year is not just a national holiday, but also a time to foster togetherness, camaraderie, and hope.

The first day of January marks the celebration of the New Year in the Gregorian calendar and is now used by most countries. It is among the most celebrated of public holidays, often observed with fireworks at the stroke of midnight as the year starts in each time zone.

Steeped in tradition

“Perhaps the most common tradition associated with New Year celebrations is making some noise to ring in the New Year,” Bes Fortuna, a college professor, tells Thai PBS World. “In the Philippines, the New Year is celebrated with firecrackers and loud horns in the hope of warding off evil spirits and bad luck from the previous year.”

One of the most anticipated events, especially in big cities, is the New Year countdown. “Bangkok is one of the region’s top destinations for New Year celebrations because of its spectacular fireworks and vibrant countdown events,” enthused one local.

“Popular New Year countdown spots in Bangkok include hotels, malls, and riverside restaurants, along with rooftop bars as well as city squares. Many people gather in these spots to welcome the New Year and participate in the merriment,” she adds.

New Year celebrations are also centered on food.

“Festive menus are prepared for New Year’s Eve dinner with family members and friends,” says Bes. The preparation includes another unique tradition of arranging 12 round fruits on the dining table, each representing a month of the year, as a symbol of hope for good fortune and prosperity throughout the coming year.

“Another interesting custom is tossing coins in the air at the stroke of midnight, a tradition believed to bring sustenance and financial success. We also fill our pockets with coins during this time.”

Not to be missed is the tradition of listing New Year resolutions. “New Year resolutions have always been a quiet part of the celebration. This involves writing down several old habits that need to go out with the previous year – all for the better.

As expected, resolutions range from serious to comical, such as avoiding laziness and tardiness, cutting down on vices or unhealthy habits, or even trying to find a new love interest for the coming year,” says Ron, a student.

Other traditions include wearing polka-dot shirts or clothes to attract money. In some countries, many youngsters believe that jumping up and down on New Year’s Eve will help add inches to one’s height.

Family gatherings are, by far, the most commonly observed, as being with loved ones during this time of the year will further strengthen family bonds and relationships.

Missed the action?

For those who missed the action and festivities of January 1, it is helpful to learn that besides the Gregorian New Year, countries in Southeast Asia also have their own New Year celebrations that come with unique traditions.

These New Year celebrations, although held on other dates, each have their own history, meaning, and purpose that distinguish them from one another.

Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand celebrate a new year in April. Cleaning houses, painting temples, cleaning Buddha statues, water festivals, cultural performances, and other festivities are held over the three-day celebration.

Thailand’s famous Songkran festival also attracts foreign visitors because of the water festival that ensues. Water is splashed on people as it is considered a blessing.

“I think the most touching part of the festivity is when younger family members pour water on elders, wishing for health, peace, and happiness. The elders, in turn, give blessings and provide reflections and hopes for family members,” says a local.

Around January or February, the first month of the lunar calendar, the Vietnamese New Year, called Tet Nguyen Dan, which means the first morning of the new year, is observed.

“It is one of the most anticipated holidays in Vietnam. Family members gather, visit relatives, and pray at temples,” says Trat, a tour guide from Hanoi. “Each family prepares a tray of traditional food and invites ancestors. Together, we pray for a peaceful and lucky new year. We also have this tradition of inviting a person of good character as our first guest. We believe that the first person entering the house will determine good fortune for the coming year,” Trat continues.

Bright hopes

While these New Year celebrations have different forms and names, they all carry the same messages of hope and forgiveness. Whether accompanied by loud noises or silent prayers, New Year celebrations in Southeast Asia are regarded as the best time to be one with the family, community, and the universe.