http://jacquielawson.com/preview.asp?cont=1&hdn=0&pv=3135826http://jacquielawson.com/preview.asp?cont=1&hdn=0&pv=3119426New Year's, celebrated by different cultures on different days throughout the year, is a special holiday around the world. Although customs vary, the sentiments are the same - health, happiness and success in the year ahead. Here is a look at some traditions and toasts around the world.
Spain
For each gong of the clock at midnight, people pop a grape into their mouths. Twelve grapes symbolize good luck for each month of the New Year
Toast: Salud (Sa LUUD)
China
In 2003, the Chinese New Year, Yuan Tin, is celebrated on February 1st . Celebrations include fireworks to scare off evil spirits, parades and a Festival of Lanterns, in which thousands of lanterns light the way to the New Year
Toast: Niennien Ju e (nyen nyen zhu ee)
Denmark
To "smash" in the New Year, at midnight, young people bang on friends' doors
Toast: Proost (PROH-sit)
France
A large pancake breakfast is traditional on New Year's Day
Toast: A votre santé (A votre santay)
Greece
On New Year's Day, Greek children leave their shoes by the fireplace with the hope that they will receive gifts. Also known as the Festival of St. Basil, gifts are exchanged on this day rather than at Christmas
Toast: Eislgian (Ees IGEE-an)
Argentina
Just before midnight on January 1st, Argentineans flock to the streets to celebrate with neighbours. Kids light fireworks to ring in the New Year with a bang
Toast: Saude! Viva! (sah-OO-Day! Vee-va)
Italy
Italians often give oranges to family, friends and neighbours on New Year's Day
Toast: A la Salute (ah lah sa-LOO-tay) or Cin Cin (chin chin)
Japan
At midnight, gongs sound 108 times for the 108 sins a person can commit. It is believed that listening to the gongs cleanses one's heart and erases past sins for a fresh New Year
Toast: Kampai (Kahm-PAH-ee)
Ireland
For good luck, at midnight, people go in the front door and out the back door
Toast: Athbhliain faoi Mhaise duit (AH-vhee ihn fwee WAH-shuh wich)
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