As the sun is setting on 2006 and 2007 waits for us on the horizon, the world reflects and anticipates. This annual turning is a natural time to contemplate our personal harvests and the events of the past year. It is a powerful time to make resolutions and set intention for the coming year. It is a time of rejuvenation that extends through cultures globally, and is deeply rooted in the traditions of our ancestors, whose New Year's rituals release and honor the old in order to clear ample space for the new to blossom and flourish.

Let's look at some traditional ways that cultures around the globe celebrate the year's transition. Then, I'll suggest some ways you can create your own ritual—something that reflects your personal journey and celebrates in ways you most enjoy.

In China, families gather together and give thanks to their ancestors. It is customary to set off firecrackers at midnight to drive away evil spirits. This is the time to get a new haircut, buy new clothes, and prepare for the coming year. It is important to pay off all debts to start the year off fresh. Red is the most auspicious color to wear for happiness for the coming year. Small gifts of money in red envelopes are exchanged to stir up abundance for the coming year, and homes are decorated with red lanterns. Brooms are put out of sight on New Year's day so that good luck will not be swept away. Brightly colored tangerines are exchanged with loved ones and displayed throughout the home; they are eaten at sunset of the first day of the year to signify health and happiness. 

In Romania, the children of the village gather large amounts of seeds, wheat, and rice in brightly colored festive baskets. The children then walk from door to door, throwing handfuls of seeds into everyone's home to symbolize good luck with crops and farming, and to bring abundance to a household.

In Russia, it is customary for the extended family to gather for a New Year's Eve hearty meal of meat and potatoes. Following the meal, nighttime celebrations begin in Red Square with fireworks and a visit from the Russian version of Santa Claus, known as Grandfather Frost. He is dressed in blue and gives small presents to the children at midnight to begin the New Year in the spirit of giving and happiness.

In Egypt, children are given candy in brightly colored wrappers. The head of each household goes around the neighborhood wishing others happiness. Soon everyone gathers, and together they go to the mayor's house for a feast and celebration.

In Germany, traditional New Year's meals always include carp, as it is thought to bring wealth. In another old tradition, which still lives on in some parts of the country, women of the villages pour molten lead into cold water and predict events for the New Year based on shapes the lead takes when cooled. A key shape, for instance, means new beginnings or adventures; a ring means an addition to the family through a wedding or a birth.

In England and Scotland, the "first footing" is a long-standing tradition where the first male to walk in the house after midnight brings money, whiskey, or cake to symbolize good luck for the household. Also, many people gather outdoors for dancing and festivities around large fires that symbolize cleansing in preparation for a new year.