The Turkish New year, looks a lot like our Christmas, with Christmas type decorations on sale, Christmas Trees which are called Yeni Yıl Ağaç, (New Years Tree). More recently you will find Turkey’s for sale in the supermarket along with many tasty treats and drinks on offer. You can also get New Year packs which contain, snacks, drinks and various other bits and pieces.
There are many New Year events and Parties in the Turkish Cities and many have parties with friends and family at home.
New Years day is the only public holiday in Turkey which is not a religious holiday.
Those that stay at home, play games and watch the New Years TV and of course it would’nt be a Turkish get together if there was nt an abundance of food and Turkish Tea. Many buy present for friends and loved ones.
Like everywhere else Turkey also has it’s fair share of New Year Traditions or Superstitions.
My favorite is the buying of red underwear for women, where this tradition comes from I am unsure, but I know that in Italy and Mexico it is also a tradition. Meaning to bring luck for the coming year. It is thought that underwear is worn as the bell strike but this of course is awkward and many wear their new red underwear before they head out for New Years eve. So don’t be surprised if your Turkish friends and family hand you new red underwear at New Year. I have been told that the funnier the pair the better!!
Another is to open your house door or shop door at the bells and sprinkle salt on the doorstep, this is said to bring peace and abundance to your home and business.
Opening the tap and letting the water run is another tradition said to bring abundance to the home.
If you are wanting to bring more money and better finances into your life in the new year then open a padlock at the strike of 12.
Going for a short walk is said to bring travel into your life.
And my last tradition is the newest of them all and that is the Milli Piyango New Year lottery. Every New Year there is a lottery draw and many including us buy a lottery ticket in the hope of entering the New Year as Millionaires!!
Whatever the traditions or superstitions New Year is a time for family and friends to gather and bring in the New Year and join in each others wishes and dream for the following year.
Yeni Mutlu Yillar to you all xxx
Do you know of other New Years Traditions in Turkey? Whats your favourite Traditions?
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