Happy New Year! 🥳

WELCOME TO 2023 CHICO!

The last three years have brought so much hardship. 2023 brings with it new hope, and (fingers crossed) no restrictions. This year more than any other feels like an opportunity for renewal and second chances, so in that spirit, let’s explore some New Years traditions that center around just that.

The Danish like to literally leap into the New Year by jumping off a chair at midnight for good luck. What better chair to jump off of than one made by Everything Redwood at the market?

Take the Polar Bear Plunge! This tradition dates back to 1920 and was started in Vancouver by a group of swimmers who called themselves the Polar Bear Club. Nowadays this is often an event that is held to raise money for charity. If you’re feeling brave, head to Sycamore Pool right here in Chico on New Years day where we hold our very own Polar Plunge!

The Persian New Year celebration is deeply rooted in renewal, with the celebration of new life front and center. To celebrate, they deep-clean and de-clutter their homes, and set up seven items of “hope”. These items all have meaning, ranging from a seedling for new birth and renewal, apples for beauty and health, dried fruits for love, and something sweet to represent wealth and fertility. Stop by Pine Creek Flowers to pick up a plant start to add to your seven items of hope!

In Greece, they hang an onion on their door to symbolize rebirth in the New Year. On New Year’s Day, parents tap the onion on their children’s foreheads to bring them prosperity. Whether you have kids or not, you can pick up an onion at the market and give this tradition a go.

In Brazil, wearing white on New Year’s eve symbolizes the fresh start, prosperity, and peace that the New Year will bring. They also toss white flowers into the ocean with wishes for the New Year. Perhaps my favorite is that if you chew seven pomegranate seeds at midnight, they will bring you good luck. Pick up a pomegranate at the market and give it a try!

Whatever your traditions are, we at Chico Certified Farmers Market wish you and your loved ones the happiest of New Years. See you next year!