Out with the old, in with the new is a phrase religiously recited by everyone who is ringing in the new year with the intention of starting anew.
But although a new year has the potential to break us away from being stuck in one’s old ways, or to metaphorically rip out the carpet from underneath our cosy comfort zone, that newness can also help us embrace the richness of what has made us become who we are, ultimately giving us a better chance of surviving and thriving.
It is true that progress cannot be maintained by using the same mindset, but a certain degree of adaptability in this ever-changing world is needed to keep up. New problems need new solutions, but they also need to use that experience we’ve acquired, and the foresight of what we could become. And that comes by respecting traditions, which help form the foundation of our connections.
In other words, although we need to feel that shudder upon descending into the cold water, we should not lose sight of those who are supporting us from the shore, who have played a major role in pushing us to become all the wiser.
As the ‘0’ gave way to the ‘1’, the six SEA-EU partners took an opportunity to share traditions that they are proud of upholding in their respective countries, ways that make them revel in their uniqueness as a strong point, not as a limitation:
The common vision of these six participating universities is to establish a pluri-ethnic university, where excellence in research and more knowledge on the marine sector shall be sought.
Malta is represented in the SEA-EU project by the University of Malta.
2. The Spanish show they are strong-willed by eating 12 grapes at midnight, one with each toll of the Madrid bells. This is said to guarantee new luck in the new year.
Spain is represented in the SEA-EU project by the Universidad de Cádiz.
Poland is represented in the SEA-EU project by the University of Gdansk.
France is represented in the SEA-EU project by the University of Western Brittany, Brest.
5. The Germans indulge into some lead pouring, in an attempt to predict what will happen in the coming year. Called Bleigießen, this custom involves holding a spoon over a burning candle and melting a small amount of wax, then pouring it in a container to produce a frozen shape.
Germany is represented in the SEA-EU project by Kiel University.
6. The Croatians play a shallow water sport called Picigin, which sees players trying to keep small tennis balls from touching the waters. This game is meant to be quick, laughter-inducing and a way of relaxing into the new year.
Croatia is represented in the SEA-EU project by the University of Split.
What a melting pot of traditions that give the SEA-EU partners their own identity; and what sense of comfort and belonging they all bring to each.
But alas, using their common goal to bring a multilingual and interdisciplinary European University into fruition, all these cultures are able to come together to establish something new, something made stronger by each of their individual experiences.
Here’s to a new year of fresh possibilities, that inspires us to stay true to our traditions.
Embrace the old, and use it to find inspiration for what is to come.
What traditions are you most proud of? Share below!