Eating grapes, wearing polka dots, or burning scarecrows might be weird New Year’s Eve traditions to some, but centuries-old customs to others.
As the old year comes to a close, we have a look at some of the most interesting traditions to welcome the new year. While some customs like popping champagne, fireworks and counting down the last few seconds seem universal, many countries have their own unique ways to celebrate.
Follow us around the world with these New Year’s Eve traditions, make a wish, and have a happy new year!
Colombian Underwear Tradition
In Colombia, it is a common tradition to wear yellow underwear on New Year's Eve. The color yellow is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Danish Dish Smashing
In Denmark, it is customary to save old and chipped dishes throughout the year and then smash them against the doors of friends and family on New Year's Eve. The more broken dishes on your doorstep, the more popular you are.
Finnish Predictive Casting
In Finland, there is a tradition called "molybdomancy," where molten tin is cast into cold water, and the resulting shape is used to predict the future for the upcoming year.
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First-Footing in Scotland
In Scotland, the "first-footer" custom involves the first person who crosses the threshold of a home after midnight bringing symbolic gifts like coins, bread, salt, and whisky. This person is thought to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Ecuadorian Effigy Burning
In Ecuador, it is a tradition to create life-sized effigies, or "Años Viejos," representing the old year. These effigies are then burned at midnight to symbolize getting rid of the past and welcoming the new year.
Japanese Temple Bells
In Japan, many Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. Each ring symbolizes one of the 108 human sins in Buddhism, and the ringing is believed to purify the listener of these sins.
Spanish Grape Eating
In Spain, it is a tradition to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight—one grape for each chime of the clock. It is believed that doing so brings good luck for each month of the coming year.
Romanian Bear Dancing
In some rural areas of Romania, people dress up as bears and dance from house to house to drive away evil spirits. This tradition, known as the "Bear Dance," is performed during the winter holidays, including New Year's.
South African Furniture Tossing
In Johannesburg, South Africa, it is customary for some people to throw old furniture out of windows on New Year's Eve. This tradition symbolizes letting go of the past and embracing the new.
Peruvian Takanakuy Festival
In the Andean region of Peru, the Takanakuy Festival takes place on December 25th. Locals settle old grudges by engaging in hand-to-hand combat, allowing them to start the new year with a clean slate.
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