10 Cozumel traditions for the New Year
In Cozumel, Christmas does not conclude on New Year’s Day. We know January 6th as El Dia de Los Reyes (King’s Day). This is when Mexican children receive their Christmas presents. On February 2nd the nativity set and decorations are stored away, and we know the day as El Dia de La Candelaria. This last holiday requires the individual who discovered a miniature baby Jesus in the Rosca bread to bring tamales.
On New Year’s, Cozumel has some delightful customs that concentrate on progressing from the old to the new. Celebrations include not merely traditional cuisines, such as bunuelos (a mild fried dessert) but likewise some cultural practices aimed at receiving blessings in the forthcoming year.
Try these 10 Cozumel traditions for the New Year at home to carry on the festivities.
1. Display a rimmed plate with a candle at the center. Now seek family and friends to collect change in the tray. Once the tray is full add water for good luck.
2. Place candles on a plate surrounded by lentils, beans, rice, corn, flour, and a cinnamon stick. Now burn the candles throughout the night until they fully melt. Peel the waxy food mixture off of the plate and bury it in your yard for abundance.
3. Try eating a tablespoon of cooked lentils, or give a handful of raw lentils to family and friends for good fortune.
4. As the New Year’s Eve midnight countdown begins, you need to consume 12 grapes. Now make a wish for each one which represents the 12 months of the next year. A sweet grape means it will be a pleasant month next year. If you get a sour grape, that is a terrible month.
5. On New Year’s Eve, women who want love and passion in the next year wear red underwear. Yellow underwear represents happiness and prosperity. Green underwear brings the wearer health and well-being. Pink underwear brings the wearer genuine love and friendship. Wear white underwear for hope and peace.
6. Clean the house, take a bath, wash the pets or cars on New Year’s Eve for renewal.
7. At midnight on New Year’s Eve, open the door and sweep out “the old”. Now toss some coins on the ground, and sweep them into the house for prosperity.
8. Another New Year’s tradition is to throw a bucket of water out the window for renewal.
9. Watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve to frighten away evil spirits. This will allow safe passage into the next year.
10. On New Year’s Eve at midnight, take empty suitcases for a walk outside. Go around the block to represent the distance to be traveled next year.
After this year of 2020, where else do you want to be for the New Year? Maybe you’ll ring in the New Year with us.
Written by Stingray Villa