Thus was born the tradition of the Old Year, a popular ritual that symbolizes leaving the past behind and attracting new beginnings.
Every December 31when the clock approaches midnight, a figure made of old clothes and cardboard that steals the attention: the traditional Old Year. Between gunpowder, laughter and wishes, this character ends up engulfed in flames as a symbol of farewell to the outgoing year. But beyond the show, burning the Old Year has a meaning linked to history, popular beliefs and the idea of closing cycles.
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What is the origin of the Old Year?
Although for years it has been a deeply rooted custom in Colombia, the burning of the Old Year was not born exclusively in the country. Its origin dates back to ancient European and Latin American traditions that associated fire with purification and the renewal of energies.
In Colombia, this practice gained strength throughout the 20th centuryespecially in regions such as Caribbean Coast, the Coffee Axis and the southwest. Over time, the doll stopped being generic and began to represent public figures, political situations or events that were a trend in the yearbecoming a expression of humor and social criticism.
What does burning the Old Year symbolize?
Setting fire to the doll represents leave the negative behind: problems, sadness, conflicts, disappointments and difficult moments experienced during the year that ends. Many people write on paper what they want to forget and keep it inside the Old Year before burning it.
This ritual also symbolizes a new beginning. Seeing the figure burn, it is believed that the doors to the health, love, prosperity and new opportunities. For this reason, it is usually accompanied by other rituals such as wearing new clothes, eating the 12 grapes or making personal promises, to receive the new year with disposition and the best energy.
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How is this tradition lived today in Colombia?
Currently, burning the Old Year continues to be one of the most anticipated moments of the December 31. Families and neighbors get together to build the doll with recycled materials, newspapers and unused clothing. In some neighborhoods and traditional towns in the country, competitions are even organized to award the most creative Old Year.
