Here is a selection of fascinating traditions from around the world!
Spain
In Spain, participants eat one grape at each stroke of midnight, while ruminating on the significance of each grape and the month that it represents. Those who do it are promised good luck for the new year - if, and only if, the grapes are eaten exactly. If one fails to finish the grapes by the time the last chime ends, it will lead to misfortune. Would you be willing to try this perhaps risky tradition?
Brazil
This tradition from Brazil encourages participants to get into the sea and jump seven over seven ondas (waves) for good luck, but only if you are jumping into the waves head-on. The tradition comes from the Umbanda religion, an amalgamation of African, Roman Catholic, Spiritist, and indigenous beliefs. It symbolizes overcoming obstacles in the New Year. Another important tradition is wearing white outer garments and colorful inner garments. Each color of inner garments represents something different.
Denmark
In Denmark, revelers of the New Year smash plates on the doorsteps of their friends and family. The more shards of pottery are on your doorstep the morning of January 1st, the more well-liked and luckier you are said to be. Another tradition in Denmark is the tradition of standing on a chair and "jumping" into the New Year for a fulfilling and prosperous year.
Ireland
One well-known Irish tradition is banging bread on the doors and walls of the family home with Christmas bread to chase malevolent spirits away and invite good spirits in. Another tradition is placing a sprig of ivy, holly, or mistletoe under your pillow to dream of your future partner. Another tradition to bring good luck is to come in via the front door of the house and leave through the back.
credits to HuffPost Greece
Greek people have numerous New Year's Eve traditions. One is the "kalo podariko", or first footing, tradition. This is where the first person to walk into the house is said to bring good luck with them. Other traditions include playing cards with loved ones, exchanging gifts with loved ones, and gifting a good luck amulet, called gouria, to your loved ones. One yummy tradition is the tradition of eating a slice of a round sweet cake known as the 'Vasilopita' cake. A slice is also said to be cut for any important deities one wishes to worship, and whoever in the family gets the lucky slice, a slice with a hidden coin, is said to receive good luck for the whole year.
the Philippines
In the Philippines, wearing polka dots on New Year's Eve is said to bring prosperity, good luck, and even love. Another tradition is the medianoche feast, a feast had at midnight with specific foods. One important food, sometimes considered an important tradition in itself, is the eating twelve round fruits. The circular shape of fruits symbolizes money and coins. Speaking of money and coins, many Filipinos scatter coins around their house and replace the bills in their wallets with crisp new ones.
Columbia
Colombians like to carry an empty suitcase and run around the block with it, a tradition that is said to ensure the New Year will be filled with opportunities to travel. Another tradition is that of wearing yellow undergarments to bring good luck. Consuming or even just carrying lentils in one's pockets is said to bring prosperity, as is putting twelve stalks of wheat in a vase. Colombians also like to hold on to money to symbolize wealth in the new year.
Japan
The tradition of eating 'Toshikoshi Shoba' (buckwheat noodles) on the New Year is said to ensure a long and healthy life, similar to the long strands of noodles. Buckwheat is also known to withstand harsh growing conditions, symbolizing resilience in the new year. To ensure that the noodles bring good luck, they must be finished before midnight.
Shutterstock photo Türkiye
The color red features pretty strongly in Turkish traditions! Revelers like to wear red at midnight to ensure prosperity in the New Year and also eat pomegranates to bring good luck. Turkish people also share their hopes, dreams, and goals with family members in the hope that they will come true. Turkish people also like to play games with family and eat a large feast.
Puerto Rico
One popular Puerto Rican tradition is that of drinking a beverage called 'coquito', which is sweet and made with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, rum, cinnamon, and/or nutmeg. Another tradition is to clean one's home to clear out negativity. Puerto Ricans also throw out a bucket of water to symbolize a fresh and positive New Year.
Italy
One old Italian tradition is the tradition of throwing old things out for the New Year, which includes pots, pans, clothes, appliances, and even furniture. This tradition symbolizes a fresh new start. Italians also have a giant feast. To finish this, they enjoy sweet treats like panettone and pandoro.
the USA
There are many traditions that Americans celebrate for New Year's Eve, like eating black-eyed peas and leafy greens like cabbage. Celebrating in New York City, particularly in Times Square, is one tradition beloved by Americans from every corner of the country. The Times Square midnight ball drop is a famous festivity. Americans also sing "Auld Lang Syne" and kiss their loved one at midnight for a New Year that isn't lonely. And, of course, the tradition of releasing fireworks on New Year's Eve is seen across the country.
I hope you enjoyed this selection of interesting New Year's Eve festivities. Are there any you and your family celebrate that weren't on here? If so, be sure to reach out to the blog.
Sources
Rittenhouse, Madison. “A Brazilian New Year’s Eve: Fun Traditions & Superstitions.” www.pimsleur.com/blog/brazilian-new-years-eve/
Irish Post. “7 Essential Irish New Year Traditions | the Irish Post.” www.irishpost.com/life-style/7-essential-irish-new-year-traditions-163007
XpatAthens. “Greek Traditions to Welcome the New Year - XpatAthens.com.” Xpatathens.com, XpatAthens.com, www.xpatathens.com/living-in-athens/taste-experience/greek-traditions/item/2373-greek-traditions-to-welcome-the-new-year.
Lowry, Christy. “How New Year’s Is Celebrated in the Philippines | Western Union.” www.westernunion.com/blog/en/us/how-new-years-is-celebrated-in-the-philippines/
Uncover Columbia. “Colombian New Year’s Traditions You Can’t Miss.” uncovercolombia.com/blog/colombia-new-year-traditions/
Walks of Italy. “The Best New Year’s Traditions in Italy." www.walksofitaly.com/blog/art-culture/italian-new-year-capodanno.
“New Year’s Traditions in the United States.” Www.sttammanylibrary.org, www.sttammanylibrary.org/blogs/post/new-years-traditions-in-the-united-states/.
Ergil, Leyla Yvonne. “New Year’s Customs in Turkey: Wearing Red, Smashing Pomegranates and Other Superstitions.” www.dailysabah.com/life/new-years-customs-in-turkey-wearing-red-smashing-pomegranates-and-other-superstitions/news.
“Holiday Traditions in Puerto Rico.” Discover Puerto Rico, www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/holiday-traditions-puerto-rico
“11 Japanese New Year Traditions.” www.kobejones.com.au/11-japanese-new-year-traditions/
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