New Year has a special charm. One looks back, but at the same time has the feeling that there is a clean sheet in front of him, on which he can write again and better. That is why various customs and rituals are associated with the turn of the year, which are supposed to bring happiness, health and peace in the coming months.
For many people, the New Year is a symbol of a new beginning, hope and an opportunity to improve their lives. And it’s no wonder, after a period full of hustle and bustle and family gatherings, January is the ideal month to get your head in order and take the right direction. Many cultures have New Year customs to bring . Some are hundreds of years old, others are created as modern rituals, but they all have one thing in common, they help us set positive expectations and intentions for the coming year.
Check out Farka’s video with the most curious New Year’s customs on YouTube:
Old traditions with a clear message
Our ancestors had them a fixed part of family life. Some of them have survived to the present day because people found in them symbolism that could encourage and calm them.
Lentils or legumes were eaten on New Year’s because their round shapes resemble coins and wealth. Eating legumes on January 1 was thus considered a symbol of financial abundance and a prosperous year.
In some regions of Bohemia, it was believed that the first visit to a house after midnight would affect the happiness of the whole household. When someone came with a smile, it also brought joy, but if a person took the first step after the New Year grumpy or sad, it could mean a difficult year.
Another well-known custom is not to borrow money on New Year’s with the idea that you will not take back the borrowed happiness. This habit arose from the pragmatic idea that entering a new period with debts does not work well psychologically or practically.
Modern habits that still work today
Traditions change along with us, so over the years newer rituals have emerged, which, although they don’t have such a long history, people practice them more and more often. Although these are not guaranteed recipes, they help to set positive habits and improve overall well-being.
One of them is writing personal intentions or wishes for the new year. Not only will it help you define what you want to achieve, but the act of putting things down on paper is more motivating than just “having it in your head.”
Another simple but effective habit is to focus on gratitude, such as writing down three things each day that you are grateful for that day. This habit resets the world view towards more positive thinking and helps to reduce stress.
Health and well-being as the focus of the year
The most common modern New Year’s resolutions are related to health — lose weight, exercise more, sleep better. But before you make drastic changes, try a habit that’s more about self-care than performance.
One of them is to create your own morning or evening routine to prepare you for the day or help calm you down before bed. It can be a short meditation, reading a book, or perhaps a simple stretch. Stable routines contribute to better concentration, less stress and an overall feeling of satisfaction.
It is also good to make time for physical activity that you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be jogging or the gym, just a walk, yoga or dancing at home. The important thing is that it makes you happy.
How to take care of love and relationships
New Year’s customs do not have to be only about health and happiness in a material sense. Many people today emphasize the quality of interpersonal relationships. Rituals such as family dinners together, regular weekend trips or planning time together with friends help strengthen relationships and bring a sense of belonging.
One of the modern tips is also setting technology-free evenings, i.e. a time when family or partners engage in joint activities without mobile phones and computers. This habit strengthens communication and makes shared moments of higher quality.
Habits that won’t let you fall back
New Year’s habits can also be ones that keep you in a positive mode when the energy drops a bit. This includes, for example, regular financial planning so that you are not surprised by unexpected expenses. Regular cleaning and organization of the space so that you are not overwhelmed by the things around you. And also a short weekly reflection, where you see what went well and what to improve.
There is no compulsion, but small rituals that enter your daily life non-violently and help you maintain pace and balance throughout the year.
Whether you believe in traditional customs like a lens for good luck or prefer to choose modern rituals, the common thing is that they all point to one thing, and that is to set your year to be better than the last. Happiness is not only a destination, but also a journey that begins with small decisions and daily actions. And these New Year’s customs can help you with that.
