10 quirky NYE superstitions from around the world
Kickstart 2018 with a bang! Make some noise, kiss someone or have some sweets.
Superstitions are a funny thing. We know they're completely unfounded, but we kind of just follow them anyway — what’s the harm, right? With 2018 approaching and everyone hoping for a happy, healthy and fantastic new year, we’ve scoured the world for 10 new year rituals you can turn into your own. Here’s to being totally extra and fabulous in the coming year.
1. Turn it up
In Poland, some still practice an old Slavic tradition of making noise on New Year’s Eve to scare off evil spirits. Why make noise when you can make music? Catch up with your friends at Swee Lee’s musical lifestyle store at The Star Vista – check out the vinyl collection or perhaps sign up to learn a new instrument! We’ll let you in on a little secret, enjoy a specialty brew at the in-store café, Swee Lee Social Club (beans from Common Man Coffee Roasters). Hurry here before the crowds find out about this new coffee joint.
2. Be on your way to forever young
Many many moons ago in ancient Britain, women walked around with acorns (or oak nuts) in their pockets, believing that it could keep them youthful since the oak tree was associated with health and longevity. Well, we know better now. Trade in your acorns for a pampering and revitalising facial treatment session at Sulwhasoo Boutique @ Westgate (now at half price!) to welcome 2018 fresh-faced and dewy-skinned.
3. Make the world your destination, always
In Colombia, don’t be surprised to see people roaming their neighbourhood with suitcases in tow. Don’t worry, the suitcases are empty. The belief is that by doing so, they can satisfy their wanderlust and have an exciting year of travel in the new year. If you’re always looking forward to your next vacation like us, why not head to the Samsonite outlet store at IMM and check out the Christmas deals at The Travel Store outlet while you’re there. Walk your new suitcase home and no one would be any wiser.
4. Wish on white
The Brazilian dress code for Réveillon aka new year’s eve is white, which symbolises peace and prosperity. Ditch your black outfits for any upcoming party plans and go full-on white. Get your outfits at COS, H&M, Uniqlo or check out LVER's 15% off sale at Bugis Junction and Raffles City Shopping Centre. Go the whole nine yards and coordinate the colour of your undergarments too – green symbolises good health, red signifies passion and romance, yellow stands for money, while purple represents inspiration.
5. Get lucky on the inside
And here’s another superstition revolving around lingerie. In many Asian cultures, wearing red underwear brings good luck. But head over to Bolivia, and red doesn’t always reign. In the South American country, people believe that the colour of your underwear determines your fate for the new year: wear red for love, and gold for wealth. Stock up at La Senza, Triumph, Victoria's Secret and Robinsons Raffles City, and you could win yourself a trip to Los Angeles! How’s that for a fantastic start to the year?
6. Prime and prep
When the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve, lean in for a kiss — or risk being unlucky in love for the whole year. At least that’s the common superstition around the world. Whether you believe in it, or just think it’s a good idea to start the year on a romantic note, it pays to be prepared. Ready your lips (and your body) with Harnn’s line of natural skin and body care products, especially now that the brand is gifting CapitaStar members a $10 voucher!
7. Get more than sweet nothings
Caution: the next superstition may be hard to swallow if you have a sweet tooth. In Switzerland, the new year begins by dropping a perfectly good scoop of ice cream on the floor! It’s a ‘toast’ to the new year, and a sign of abundance. We suggest tweaking this superstition a little – because who can bear to waste perfectly good ice cream? If your 2018 resolutions include weight-watching, we recommend Dofu, a delectable black soy ice cream that’s healthy, vegan-friendly and going at 10% off at JCube.
8. Break it down
The Danes may be the second happiest people in the world, but their new year ritual is a less-than-calming activity — they break glassware on the doorsteps of friends and family they like. Your neighbours might not appreciate that show of affection, so channel your energy in a more constructive way. Try martial arts classes at FaMA (Fitness and Martial Arts) instead! Keeps you fit and those around you safe, and puts you in the heart of Clarke Quay where festive deals are aplenty.
9. Have your (pan)cake and eat it
New year, new… pancakes? Well, the French do it, so who are we to judge? Over in the land of wine and couture, they feast on traditional French pancakes both on New Year’s Day and on 2 February. The latter is called la Chandeleur, and falls precisely 40 days after Christmas. Get your French-inspired fix and say hello to the signature soufflé pancakes at Miam Miam in Bugis Junction. Shop at Bugis Junction and enjoy the Christmas Enchanted Promotions.
10. Be a cut above the rest
In many parts of the world, people avoid cutting their hair in the first few days of the new year because it doesn’t bode well. But looking fresh is everyone’s prerogative. Give your locks some love before the clock runs out on 2017. Team Salon at The Star Vista is celebrating their sixth anniversary with exclusive treats for CapitaStar members, so there’s no better time to get a new ‘do for the new year.
Ready to step into 2018 looking good and feeling fab? Here’s one last tip that might rev your engine.
Shop at CapitaLand malls from now until 2 March 2018, and you could drive home in an INFINITI Q30 - Premium Active Compact.
And just in case you’re wondering, that’s all fact; not fiction.
Happy holidays!