Feliz Año: Hispanics welcome the New Year with rituals

Some eat 12 grapes. Others eat lunch with a serving of tasty lentis, and many clean the house top to bottom. Whatever their ritual, Hispanics hope 2013 brings prosperity, health and success.

The Rituals

Extravagant acts include jumping on one´s rigth foot while holding a glass of champagne with a gold ring in it. Others who are more intrepid run around the neighborhood with their suitcases in hand, but not before putting on yellow underwear - and wearing it backwards.

 In short, New Year rituals are a vivid example that there are no laws that govern taste.

The transition from the old year to the new comes loaded with symbolism that ultimately seek to bring good omens for the new period about to begin.

These are some of the most Hispanic rituals that are seen during this celebration:

The 12 Grapes: Tradition says that one should eat a grape for each time the bells rings at midnight. Some combine six green grapes with six black ones. Each grape must represent a wish.

Money in the Shoes: To attract economic fortunes it is recommeded that one place a bill in each shoe.

Clothing: Wearing a brand new outfit or clothing item symbolizes starting the new year with prosperity. Some recommend complementing the outfit with yellow underwear.

Lentils: A Spanish proverb says, "You eat them or you leave them." These legumes represent abundance, and it is believed that those who eat a plate pf them on New Year´s Eve ensure their economic stability.

Candles: The colors of the candles take on special meaning for New Year´s. Green is for health, yellow is plently, blue is peace, white is clarity, and red is passion.

Suitcases: A classic ritual is going outside with suitcases in hand and walking around the house which supposedly assures going on many trips.

´Burning´ the old year: Difficulties and obstacles that have arisen during the year are listed on a sheet of paper, and at midnight the paper is burned, symbolizing the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.

Sweeping: A clean and organized house represents and open door for the good things of a new year.

Traditions and rituals are passed from generation to generation. Whatever those are for you and your family, be sure to continue the custom.

Happy New Year 2013!

Tasting Navidad: Rompope, Ponche Crema & Coquito

When December arrives, Hispanics find that a particular sweet drink - with a silky texture, ivory color and a taste reminiscent of grandmother´s kitchen - is the perfect companion for a long get-together with family and friends after a holiday feast.

This is so because the magic touch of rum raises the spirits and extends the celebration.

Rompope, a Mexican elixir

A little bit of history: The nuns were in charge of entertaining their important guests by creating elaborate dishes, desserts and drinks, and for one of these eventsm within the convent of the Clarisa nuns in Puebla de los Angeles, Mexico, a tastty beverage was developed consisting of the simpliest of ingredients, such as eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla and sugar.

A sort of an urban legend says that a nun named Eduviges was in charge of this drink called Rompope - a type of eggnog - and to which rum was added; the drink itself was forbidden to the nuns, but Eduviges had special permission to taste it.

Ponche Crema, a symbol of Venezuela identity

In 1900, Eliodoro González P., a Venezuelan chemist, patented something unique: Ponche Crema, a drink like eggnog that was made of milk, eggs, sugar and a mixture of pure grape alcohol.

Despite the fragility of the drink´s ingredients, all 100 percent natural, the beverage remains unaltered for up to two years after being produced and bottled, even with no chemical additives for preservation.

Coquito, the sweetest drink of the Caribbean

From Puerto Rico emerged Coquito, a hybrid of Mexican Rompope and Venezuelan Ponche Crema, but with a magical additive: Coconut cream. 

For Puerto Ricans, there is not Christmas without Coquito.

Whether it is Rompope, Ponche Crema or Coquito, Hispanic punches are brimming with history and flavors ... ¡Salud!

Celebrating Navidad: Posadas, Aguinaldos and Novenas

Hispanics observe the nine days between December 16 and 24 with parties, singing, praying, piñatas, carols, scooters, punch, sparklers and many more symbols. That is how they celebrate and remembers the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph towards Bethlehem, where they sought shelter for the birth of the Messiah.

Posadas

Mexicans ask for a room for the night through music; they leave their homes and go door to door, singing carols. The interesting part is the role played by those inside the homes, since they have to deny access to the pilgrims. However, the pilgrims insist until the doors are opened, representing the shelter they sought.

This tradition, brimming with symbolism, includes hsitorical analogies in elements as simple as a piñata. The piñata wioth seven cones represents the seven deadly sins. It is full of treats, a symbol on Earth of divine grace. The blindfold represents faith; the stick is God and those cheering through sing are the faithful, who together represent a church.

Aguinaldos

Venezuela prepares itself for the arrival of Baby Jesus with nine morning events known as the aguinaldo masses, which are celebrated from 4 to 6 in the morning. After the mass, music - called gaitas - are heard outside the churches, where youngters ride scooters and enjoy sweet pancake-like arepas and hot chocolate.

Usually, the last aguinaldo mass, which us held on Christmas Eve, offers a dramatization of the birth of God´s son.

Novenas

This Colombian custom dates from 1700. Full of prayers, the novena has became a family celebration. During the novena, the Rosary is said for nine days, divided into four categories: sorry, preparation, requests and indulgence.

The prayers do not have to be said in church; they can be said at home or in public plazas. 

Once the series concludes, custard and doughnut-like buñuelos come into play, since for Colombians they are synonymous with Christmas, a gathering and a party.

Posadas, Aguinaldos and Novenas are proof of the cultural mix that envelops Hispanics. From the Rio Grande to Patagonia, cultural syncretism is manifested through family reunions and get-together with friends during the Winter holidays.

Photos by Juan Miret