Fun New Year's Customs from Around the World/Webquest,too!

Happy New Year! 

Bonne annee(French)

Frohes neues Jahr(Germany)

Felice anno nuovo(Italian)

Gelukkig nieuwjaar(Dutch)

Gott nytt ar(Swedish)

Feliz ano nuevo(Spanish)

Shana tova(Hebrew)

Hauoli makahiki hou(Hawaiian)

Interesting Customs around the World forNew Year's.

In Russia, divers place a New Year’s tree into Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest river. 

Did you know that in Denmark, people like to throw old broken dishes at the front door of friends, at New Year’s Eve?

Did you know that eating 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight  is considered good luck in Spain?

Christmas trees are made into bonfires to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands. This custom is done to symbolize getting rid of the old and welcoming the new year.

Did you know that April Fool’s Day involved New Year’s Day?  People used to celebrate the new year  around March 25-April 1st. When the calendar changed the new year to January 1 st, pranks were played on those that continued to celebrate the New year on April 1.

Webquest:

1. New Year’s has been celebrated for over 4000 years. It began with which ancient culture?_________________They celebrated the beginning of the new year with the first new moon after the vernal equinox occurred. Their celebration lasted 11 days! In which month did New Year’s take place?_____________What important event always took placed during this time?_______________________Find the answers at this link:  http://www.history.com/topics/new-years

Go to my website to see lots more interesting customs, extension activities and 4 more web questions.
It's FREE!
http://www.gailhennessey.com/index.shtml?newyears.html


Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to All!
Gail