The Top 5 New Year's Traditions from Around the World
Categories: New Year 2024
People around celebrate and take time to reflect on the past year on New Year's Eve. It's time to bid the previous year farewell and greet the upcoming one with excitement and hope. Many cultures have their own unique New Year's traditions, which have been passed down for generations.
Here are five of the most popular and interesting New Year's traditions from around the world:
1. Eating 12 grapes at midnight in Spain
Eating twelve grapes at midnight is one of the most well-known New Year's Eve customs worldwide. Millions of people throughout Spain and the rest of the world currently follow this ritual, which is thought to have started in the late 19th century.
All you have to do to be part of this tradition is to eat one grape for each of the twelve midnight bell strikes. This is supposed to bring wealth and good fortune for the upcoming year.
2. First footing in Scotland
A custom from Scotland known as "first footing" celebrates New Year's Eve by having the first person into a house after midnight. It is claimed that this person will bless the house with good fortune in the upcoming year.
First-time visitors are generally given a dram of whisky and some shortbread as a welcome. A little present, like a coin for prosperity or a lump of coal for warmth, might also be given to them.
3. Throwing white flowers in the ocean in Brazil
On New Year's Eve, it is customary in Brazil to toss white flowers into the sea. This custom is supposed to honour the sea goddess Iemanjá and bring good fortune.
All you have to do to take part in this custom is toss a white flower into the water on New Year's Eve at midnight. As you toss the flower, you have the option to express a wish.
4. Eating soba noodles in Japan
Soba noodles are traditionally consumed on New Year's Eve in Japan. Because of their length and thinness, soba noodles are thought to represent longevity.
All you have to do to join in on New Year's Eve is down a bowl of soba noodles. Additionally, you are free to add your own toppings, including tempura, bonito flakes, and green onions.
5. Breaking plates in Denmark
On New Year's Eve, it's customary in Denmark to smash plates on friends' and family' doorsteps. The homeowner will have greater success in the upcoming year the more shattered plates there are.
To partake in this custom, just collect a stack of used plates and visit your friends' and relatives' houses on New Year's Eve. When they open their doors, rap a plate against the doorway. Make sure to wish them luck and say "Happy New Year!"
These are just a few of the many interesting and unique New Year's traditions from around the world. Whether you are celebrating at home or traveling to a new destination, be sure to learn about the local New Year's traditions and participate in the festivities. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a foreign culture and kick off the New Year in style.
Bonus traditions
Here are a few more interesting New Year's traditions from around the world:
✦ On New Year's Eve in Colombia, people lug empty luggage around the neighbourhood with the intention of taking more trips in the upcoming year.
✦ As a sign of renewal, on New Year's Eve, Greeks hang an onion from their front doors.
✦ On New Year's Eve, twelve spherical fruits are consumed in the Philippines, one for each month of the year.
✦ Lentils are said to resemble coins and represent wealth and prosperity, so on New Year's Eve, people in Italy eat them.
✦ On New Year's Eve, Americans gather in Times Square, New York City, to witness the ball drop at midnight.
Whatever your traditions or culture, New Year's Eve is a time to rejoice and look forward to the coming year. So have fun and I hope you have a prosperous and joyful new year!