Diálogo 12 - Ano Novo...Língua Nova? | Practice Portuguese

Summary

This transcript captures a lively conversation between two people discussing various New Year's Eve traditions and superstitions from around the world. They explore customs such as eating 12 grapes in Spain and Portugal, the São Silvestre marathon, and the significance of certain practices like wearing blue underwear for luck. The discussion also touches on the global spread of these traditions, highlighting differences in customs across countries like the U.S., Canada, and Brazil. The conversation emphasizes how these rituals connect people, mark the passage of time, and create meaningful memories.

Takeaways

• 😀 The conversation revolves around New Year's traditions and customs in different countries.
• 😀 A key Spanish tradition is to eat 12 grapes (or raisins) at midnight, making a wish with each chime of the clock in Madrid.
• 😀 In Portugal, there's no singular tradition, but people adopt a variety of customs, like banging pots and wearing blue underwear for luck.
• 😀 The story of São Silvestre is connected to the New Year's Eve celebration, with its origin in Portuguese folklore and a legend involving the Virgin Mary and Saint Silvester.
• 😀 The São Silvestre marathon, which marks the first marathon of the year, has its roots in Portugal but is also celebrated in other countries like Brazil.
• 😀 In North America (Canada and the United States), it’s traditional to kiss someone at midnight, symbolizing a new beginning for the year.
• 😀 The 'Time Square Ball Drop' is an iconic American tradition in New York City, where the ball drops at midnight to ring in the New Year.
• 😀 There is a global tendency to follow certain traditions during New Year's Eve, even among those who are not superstitious, to mark the occasion.
• 😀 Some countries, like New Zealand, celebrate the New Year first due to time zone differences, while the last to celebrate is Hawaii.
• 😀 People often feel the need to follow traditions as a way to make New Year’s Eve stand out, even if they’re not wealthy or celebrating lavishly.

Q & A

What is the tradition of eating 12 passas (grapes or raisins) at New Year's Eve?

The tradition of eating 12 passas, where one raisin is eaten for each stroke of midnight, is said to bring good luck for the 12 months of the coming year. This is a common practice in Spain, and some other cultures have adopted similar customs.

What is the significance of wearing blue underwear on New Year's Eve in Portugal?

In Portugal, wearing blue underwear on New Year's Eve is believed to bring good luck. While its origin is unclear, it has become a popular superstition in the country.

What is the 'São Silvestre' marathon, and how is it connected to New Year's traditions?

The 'São Silvestre' marathon, held on December 31st or January 1st in some places, marks the first race of the year. It is associated with a legend about Saint Sylvester and has become a significant event in countries like Portugal and Brazil, as well as other parts of the world.

What is the legend of São Silvestre, and how does it relate to the New Year's celebrations?

The legend of São Silvestre involves Saint Sylvester comforting the Virgin Mary, who was grieving the loss of Atlantis. According to the story, the saint's actions led to the creation of the island of Madeira and the tradition of lighting fireworks on New Year's Eve, especially in Madeira.

Why do people make noise with pots and pans at midnight on New Year's Eve?

Making noise with pots and pans at midnight is a common tradition in Portugal and many Latin American countries. It is believed to drive away evil spirits and ensure a fresh start for the new year.

What is the tradition of kissing someone at midnight during New Year's Eve in the United States?

In the United States, it is customary to kiss someone at midnight on New Year's Eve. This tradition is meant to ensure good luck and happiness in the coming year.

What is the significance of the countdown to midnight in Time Square, New York?

The countdown to midnight in Time Square, New York, is an iconic New Year's Eve event. The dropping of the ball symbolizes the end of the old year and the arrival of the new one, with millions of people participating in the celebration.

What are some unique New Year's traditions observed in different parts of the world?

New Year's traditions vary worldwide. For example, in Spain, people eat 12 grapes at midnight. In Brazil, fireworks are set off, and in the United States, people kiss someone at midnight. These traditions reflect different cultural beliefs and superstitions aimed at bringing luck and joy.

Which country is the first to celebrate the New Year, and why is this interesting?

The first country to celebrate the New Year is New Zealand, due to its time zone being the earliest. It is interesting because people in other parts of the world are still waiting for midnight when New Zealand has already ushered in the new year.

What is the last country to celebrate the New Year, and why is it significant?

The last country to celebrate the New Year is typically the Hawaiian Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean. The significance lies in the fact that while many parts of the world have already celebrated, Hawaii is the final place to ring in the new year.