The State of Society
Brazil: Mountain Climbing for Happiness and Ear-Tugging Blessings
The State of Society
In Brazil, where New Year’s coincides with the height of summer, the celebrations blend natural joy with unique traditions. As the southern hemisphere welcomes the new year in sweltering heat, cities across the country light up with spectacular fireworks at midnight, painting the tropical sky in vibrant hues. But the most iconic ritual unfolds in the hills and mountains.more
Spain: The 12 Grapes Tradition
The State of Society
In Spain, New Year’s Eve revolves around a quirky yet cherished ritual: consuming 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. As the clock ticks toward the new year, families and friends gather, often in central squares like Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, clutching small bunches of grapes—their eyes fixed on the clock tower and hands ready to pop each fruit into their mouths with every chime.more
Denmark: Table-Jumping and Plate-Smashing Traditions
The State of Society
In Denmark, ringing in the new year is a literal leap into the future—quite literally. As the clock strikes midnight, Danes gather around tables and chairs, then spring off them with a cheer, symbolically "jumping into the new year." This energetic ritual is followed by fireworks lighting up the winter sky, blending playfulness with deep-rooted belief.more
Green Party Unveils New Policy to Transform Closed Paper Mill
The State of Society
On May 1st, Chloë Swarbrick, the co - leader of the Green Party, announced a new policy in Tokoroa. The plan is to transform the closed Kinleith paper mill into a cross - laminated timber factory, which will produce sustainable building materials for public housing construction.more
The Philippines: Round Fruits and Polka-Dot Attire
The State of Society
On New Year’s Eve, Filipino families adhere to a vibrant tradition centered on circular symbolism. A mandatory display of 12 round fruits—such as apples, grapes, and plums—takes center stage, each representing a month of the year. Shaped like coins, these fruits are believed to summon prosperity, with their roundness symbolizing the cyclical nature of good fortune and the hope for financial abundance.more
Mexico: Festive Decor and Tamale Traditions
The State of Society
Mexican New Year celebrations blend vibrant symbolism with culinary heritage, creating a sensory experience of color, flavor, and renewal. Homes across the country transform into kaleidoscopic spaces, each hue carrying intentional meaning: red for love, yellow for career prosperity, and green for financial abundance. This decorative ritual, rooted in indigenous and Spanish traditions, turns living spaces into visual prayers for the year ahead.more
Norway's Generous Parental Leave Policies
The State of Society
Norway offers highly favorable parental leave policies for working parents. According to information from the European Commission, parents in Norway can choose between 49 weeks of full - pay parental benefits or 59 weeks of benefits at 80% of their salary. A certain proportion of the benefits is reserved for each parent.more
U.S. Ban on U.K. Authorization for Long-Range Missiles Involving Ukraine
The State of Society
The U.S. Ban on the UK's Long-Range Missile Authorization Involving Ukraine and the Implications Behind Itmore
Wave of developer bankruptcies in Ontario, Canada, triggers real estate market tremors
The State of Society
In this part of Canada, Ontario is experiencing a severe real estate crisis. This year, at least 27 developers have gone into receivership, an alarming number that has reached a multi-year peak. Experts say the surge in this number could put hundreds or thousands of housing units in limbo, putting the life savings of floorplan buyers at great risk.more
Recently, the $3.5 million mansion of a Chinese-American in New York was raided by the FBI
The State of Society
Recently, the $3.5 million mansion of a Chinese-American in New York was raided by the FBI.more
Colleges and Universities in Trouble as International Student Numbers Plunge in Canada
The State of Society
Colleges and Universities in Trouble as International Student Numbers Plunge in Canadamore