New Year traditions & resolutions: Meaning, history & popular practices

The New Year is just one day away, and we are sure you are all ready with your plans for the eve, especially with all the New Year’s Eve parties in Vizag.  New Year’s brings along new opportunities, people, connections, and a renewed hope for changes and things our hearts desire. While each of us has our own beliefs and rituals around manifestation, over the years, many of us have embraced a few shared traditions, such as the 12 grapes under the table ritual from Spain and the pomegranate‑breaking custom from Greece. And while manifestation rituals are important, setting goals for the next year and planning New Year’s resolutions is also a great way to start the year. Here is a wholesome list of New Year‘s resolutions and traditions that we could all relate to:

Resolutions:

1. Focusing on physical fitness

In today’s modern and fast-developing world, where people once prioritised professional goals, society, and other things over themselves, recent trends have shown a rise in focus on individual health and wellness. From working out, meditating, and joining gyms or health clubs to eating clean, fixing a sleep schedule, thinking positively, and surrounding oneself with good energy, these habits have increasingly become non‑negotiable.

2. Saving money and resources

In today’s developing yet uncertain world, where no matter how secure one’s present feels, the past can not be predicted. For feeling safe and secure in case of emergencies, it is important to have a money-saving plan. It helps to have a written note and a mental reminder to save up a target goal of money. Start small and be consistent with the savings fund!

3.  Journaling

A popular resolution among the youngsters, the resolution to journal each day varies from one individual to another. There are various types of journalling, including gratitude, junk, bullet, daily, and productivity. Writing everything down in one place helps to visualise one’s emotions, goals, and things to accomplish.

4. Learning a new skill

This fun and creative resolution helps build a stronger personal profile, enhances creativity, and keeps us engaged by giving us new things to focus on. 

5. Learning a new language

Learning a new language, be it Indian or foreign, can not only add value to your resume but also help build a linguistic palette.

With new resolutions comes a new belief system that helps you give that much-needed nudge, enough to keep you going. While many may debate the effectiveness of New Year traditions, most would agree that these small, wholesome rituals offer much‑needed reassurance and hope that things will work out.

Here is a list of New Year’s traditions that have folklore as testament to their effectiveness.

1. Eating 12 grapes

Eating 12 grapes in the last 12 minutes of the year, one grape each minute, is a tradition rooted in Spain. For each grape, we should think of a goal we want to set for the upcoming year. Every grape represents the month ahead. A new twist to this tradition is eating the grapes under the table, which, apparently, creates a stronger space for manifestation.

2. Breaking a pomegranate

This tradition originated in Greece and symbolises financial prosperity. A pomegranate is smashed on the entrance door, and it is believed that the more seeds that spill, the more wealth will flow in.

3. Journaling the year that passed and writing intentions for the new year

Journaling the year that has passed with kindness and respect is a powerful way to cleanse the mind and soul. Even if the year was hectic, it is important to acknowledge it gently and respectfully. 

4. Putting money in the wallet

Putting money in a wallet symbolises a strong wish and determination to achieve financial stability in the upcoming year.

These new resolutions for the New Year and New Year traditions will surely help you bid a much more meaningful adieu to this year and help you enter the new year with new hope, will, and determination.

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