New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration around the world. From fireworks and parties to delicious food and unique traditions, there are many ways to ring in the new year. Here are 10 New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world:
- Spain: Eating 12 grapes at midnight. In Spain, it is believed that if you eat one grape in time with each chime of the clock at midnight, then you will be rewarded with luck and happiness in the coming year.
- Colombia: Carrying empty suitcases. In Colombia, people carry empty suitcases around the block on New Year’s Eve in the belief that it will bring them good travel luck in the coming year.
- Denmark: Smashing plates and jumping off chairs. In Denmark, it is customary to smash plates and jump off chairs at midnight on New Year’s Eve. This is believed to cleanse the old year and bring good luck in the new year.
- Finland: Interpreting the shapes of metal. In Finland, people often throw a piece of metal into a fire at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The shape of the metal when it cools is believed to predict the future.
- Panama: Burning effigies. In Panama, people often burn effigies of politicians and celebrities at midnight on New Year’s Eve in a symbolic gesture of getting rid of the old year’s problems.
- South Africa: Throwing out the old. In South Africa, it is customary to throw out old items from your home at midnight on New Year’s Eve in the belief that it will bring good luck in the new year.
- Philippines: Eating round foods. In the Philippines, it is believed that eating round foods on New Year’s Eve will bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Some popular round foods to eat include grapes, oranges, and coins.
- Brazil: Wearing special underwear. In Brazil, it is believed that wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve will bring good luck in love. For those looking for a little extra luck, they may also wear yellow underwear for money or green underwear for health.
- Greece: Hanging onions. In Greece, it is believed that hanging an onion on your door on New Year’s Eve will ward off evil spirits and bring good luck in the new year.
- Estonia: Eating lots. In Estonia, it is customary to eat a lot of food on New Year’s Eve in the belief that it will bring prosperity in the coming year. Some popular foods to eat include pork, black eyed peas, and cabbage.
These are just a few of the many New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world. No matter where you are in the world, there is sure to be a unique way to celebrate the new year. So gather your loved ones, eat some delicious food, and ring in the new year with a bang!
