France
Did you forget to send your Christmas cards out this year? This wouldn’t be a problem if you lived in France, because the French prefer to send greeting cards out in January wishing friends and family a Happy New Year. On New Year’s Eve, many also gather to watch the president’s address on TV.
Visit France on our Taste of Bordeaux, Paris & Normandy, Impressions of the Seine & Paris, Essence of Burgundy & Provence and Colors of Provence itineraries.
Hungary
There are many unusual superstitions that some Hungarians adhere to. In addition to scaring off evil spirits with a loud racket on New Year’s Eve, those who avoid doing laundry or sewing on New Year’s Day are believed to have good luck throughout the year. Fish and chicken are also avoided during meals on New Year’s Day because they might swim away with – or scratch away – one’s luck.
Experience Hungary on board our Romantic Danube, Melodies of the Danube, Legendary Danube, Grand Danube, Blue Danube Discovery, Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, Majestic Capitals of the Danube, Gems of Southeast Europe, Iconic Christmas Markets, and Christmas Markets on the Danube itineraries.
Austria
In Austria (and Germany and Switzerland, for that matter), the tradition of molybdomancy, or predicting the future, is common at the new year. To do so, lead-pouring kits with small tin figures are sold. The figures are then melted into a bowl of water. The resulting shapes of the cooled metal become the predictors of what will happen in the new year. For instance, a basket shape means you’ll be lucky in love, but an apple shape means a trust will be broken.
Venture through Austria on our Romantic Danube, Melodies of the Danube, Legendary Danube, Grand Danube, Blue Danube Discovery, Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, Majestic Capitals of the Danube, Gems of Southeast Europe, Iconic Christmas Markets, and Christmas Markets on the Danube itineraries.