新年鐘聲響起：南湖居民整裝待發，告別2024年，迎接2025年

隨著日曆翻到一年的最後一天，南湖居民正準備告別 2024 年，迎接 2025 年。

As the final day of the year approaches, South Lake residents are preparing to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025. Whether you prefer grand celebrations or quiet moments of introspection, there's something for everyone to enjoy on New Year's Eve.

隨著一年的最後一天臨近，南湖居民正準備告別 2024 年，迎接 2025 年。 無論您喜歡盛大的慶祝活動，還是安靜的反省時刻，每個人都可以在除夕之夜享受一些樂趣。

In the United States, we typically celebrate the new year with countdowns, fireworks, and parties. But did you know that other cultures have their own unique traditions to ring in the new year? Here are a few interesting customs from around the world:

在美國，我們通常會透過倒數計時、煙火和派對來慶祝新年。但您是否知道其他文化也有自己獨特的傳統來迎接新年？以下是世界各地一些有趣的習俗：

Spain: Eating Grapes - At the stroke of midnight, Spaniards eat 12 grapes, one for each chime, to ensure good luck for the coming year.

西班牙：吃葡萄 - 午夜鐘聲敲響時，西班牙人會吃 12 顆葡萄，每敲響一顆葡萄，以確保來年好運。

Italy: Wearing Red Underwear - Italians believe that wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve will bring love and prosperity. They also eat lentils and pork to symbolize wealth and abundance.

義大利：穿紅色內衣－義大利人相信在除夕夜穿紅色內衣會帶來愛和繁榮。他們也吃扁豆和豬肉，象徵財富和富裕。

Japan: Bells Ringing - In Japan, temples ring bells 108 times to cleanse sins and bad luck from the previous year. People also eat Toshikoshi Soba, a bowl of soba noodles, to symbolize longevity and breaking from the past.

日本：鐘聲敲響 - 在日本，寺廟會敲響 108 次鐘聲，以淨化前一年的罪惡和黴運。人們也吃年越蕎麥麵，一碗蕎麥麵，象徵長壽和擺脫過去。

Brazil: Jumping Seven Waves - At the beach, Brazilians perform a ritual called "jumping seven waves" to honor the sea goddess and bring blessings for the new year. They also wear white clothing for peace and prosperity.

巴西：跳七浪－巴西人在海灘上進行一種名為「跳七浪」的儀式，以紀念海洋女神並為新的一年帶來祝福。他們還穿著白色的衣服，以求和平與繁榮。

Philippines: Round Objects - Filipinos display round fruits and coins to symbolize wealth and good fortune. Additionally, they wear polka dots to attract positive energy.

菲律賓：圓形物體－菲律賓人展示圓形水果和硬幣，象徵財富和好運。此外，他們還穿著圓點圖案來吸引正能量。

Denmark: Breaking Plates - Danes throw old dishes at the doors of their friends and neighbors for good luck. Another unique tradition involves standing on chairs and leaping off at midnight.

丹麥：打破盤子－丹麥人把舊盤子丟到朋友和鄰居的門口以求好運。另一個獨特的傳統是在午夜站在椅子上跳下來。

Greece: Vasilopita Cake - Greeks bake a special cake called Vasilopita, which has a coin hidden inside. The person who finds the coin in their slice will have good luck for the year.

希臘：Vasilopita 蛋糕 - 希臘人烘烤一種特殊的蛋糕，名為 Vasilopita，裡面藏著一枚硬幣。在自己的切片中找到硬幣的人將會有好運。

Scotland: First Visitor - In Scotland, the first visitor of the new year, known as the "first footer," brings gifts like coal, whisky, or bread to ensure good fortune for the household. Hogmanay Celebrations, which include singing, dancing, and fireworks, also take place.

蘇格蘭：第一位訪客 - 在蘇格蘭，新年的第一位訪客被稱為“第一位訪客”，他們會帶來煤炭、威士忌或麵包等禮物，以確保家庭好運。還會舉行除夕慶祝活動，包括唱歌、跳舞和燃放煙火。

India: Bonfires - In some regions of India, people light bonfires on New Year's Eve to symbolize burning away the old and welcoming the new.

印度：營火－在印度的一些地區，人們在除夕夜點燃營火，象徵除舊迎新。

While these festivities promise excitement, it's crucial to celebrate responsibly. To ensure a safe and enjoyable evening, keep these tips in mind:

雖然這些慶祝活動令人興奮，但負責任地慶祝也至關重要。為了確保您度過一個安全、愉快的夜晚，請記住以下提示：

Plan ahead for transportation if you'll be consuming alcohol. Designate a sober driver, use a ride-sharing service, or consider public transportation.

如果您要飲酒，請提前規劃交通。指定一名清醒的司機、使用共乘服務或考慮公共交通。

Be cautious with fireworks. Only use legal fireworks and follow the instructions carefully. Never point fireworks at people or animals.

燃放煙火爆竹要小心。僅使用合法煙火並仔細遵循說明。切勿將煙火對準人或動物。

Stay warm if you're spending time outdoors. Dress appropriately for the cold weather and take breaks to warm up inside if needed.

如果您在戶外度過時間，請注意保暖。為寒冷的天氣穿著適當的衣服，並在需要時休息一下以在室內熱身。

New Year's Eve is also a time for reflection. Many people in South Lake use this day to look back on the achievements, challenges, and memories of the past year while setting intentions for the year ahead. Whether you're making resolutions, expressing gratitude, or simply spending time with loved ones, it's a chance to embrace new beginnings and look forward to the possibilities that 2025 holds.

除夕夜也是反思的時刻。許多南湖人利用這一天回顧過去一年的成就、挑戰和記憶，同時為未來的一年制定計劃。無論您是在製定決心、表達感激之情，還是只是與親人共度時光，這都是一個擁抱新開始並期待 2025 年可能性的機會。

We at The SOUTH LAKE TABLET wish you a joyful and prosperous 2025! However you choose to celebrate, may it be filled with happiness, safety, and hope for the future. Cheers to a wonderful New Year!

南湖平板祝您2025年快樂、繁榮！無論您選擇慶祝什麼，願它充滿幸福、安全和對未來的希望。為美好的新年乾杯！