New Year's Traditions Around the World
There are some truly surprising New Year's traditions out there — we guarantee these customs from around the world will give you plenty to talk about!
The old year is almost over, and the new one is just around the corner. All around the world, the New Year — a time of fresh beginnings — is welcomed according to local customs, beliefs, and traditions. Today, we've put together some of the fascinating traditions people follow in hopes of having a wonderful new year.
Germany: Knock on Wood — and Lead!
Around midnight on December 31st, there is a tradition of pouring molten lead into cold water. But that's not all! People then try to predict what the new year will bring based on the shape the lead takes.
Argentina: Starting Off on the Right Foot
When the clock strikes midnight, everyone steps their right foot forward — entering the new year on the right foot, so to speak — believing this will bring health, happiness, and abundance throughout the entire year.
Brazil: Wearing White Is a Promise
Jumping over 7 waves as the new year begins is believed to bring good luck for the entire year. Additionally, everyone dresses in white on the night of December 31st into the early hours of January 1st to ward off evil spirits.
China: Giving Money Is a Custom
On the morning of December 31st, they clean every nook and cranny of their homes — a way of sweeping out bad luck. They buy various flowers to decorate their homes and bring prosperity and good fortune. And they hand out lucky money to children in red envelopes.
Denmark: Not Every Plate Smasher Is Dancing
On New Year's Eve, people go to their closest friends' homes and smash old plates on their doorsteps. In doing so, they both show their affection and aim to drive away any bad luck their friends might have.
The Philippines: Which Fruit Is the Roundest?
Round shapes symbolize prosperity because they are reminiscent of gold coins. On New Year's Eve, exactly 12 round-shaped fruits are always eaten at the dinner table.
Spain: Nothing to Do with Grapes Growing Side by Side
When the clock strikes midnight, people pop 12 pre-prepared grapes into their mouths all at once — calling them "lucky grapes." They believe this will ensure a sweet taste in life and lasting abundance throughout the new year.
Japan: Can You Hear Their Laughter?
When the clock strikes 00:00, the Japanese burst into laughter. They believe that by doing so, joy and good luck will be on their side throughout the new year.
Colombia: Where Are You Going with That Empty Suitcase?
Walking around the streets on New Year's Eve with an empty suitcase is believed to mean you'll spend the entire year traveling.
Panama: Burning Effigies to Drive Away Evil Spirits
On New Year's Eve, effigies of celebrities are burned to rid the community of evil spirits. It doesn't matter whose effigy it is — as long as it burns.
Chile: You're Not One of Us If You Skip the Lentils
If you sweep your home from the inside outward on the morning of December 31st, you'll have chased away all evil spirits. Also, when the clock strikes midnight, everyone eats a spoonful of lentils. It is believed that those who eat lentils will have a year filled with money. And honestly, on that night some tables in our own country will also feature a delicious Green Lentil Salad — so let's say, may our abundance be as plentiful as Chile's!
Ukraine: A Spider-Web Christmas Tree
Christmas trees are decorated with artificial spider webs, which are believed to bring good luck. According to legend, a poor family could not afford to decorate their tree, and the children were heartbroken. When they woke up in the morning, they found their tree covered in spider webs. At first, they didn't understand what it meant. But when sunlight hit the webs and they began to shimmer in gold and silver, the family was filled with joy.
Venezuela: Roller Skating at the Break of Dawn
Roads are closed to traffic until 8 a.m. on January 1st. In the early morning hours, hundreds of people go roller skating. It is believed that this ensures the new year will be filled with joy and good luck.
New Zealand: Into the Streets with Pots and Pans
When the clock strikes 00:00, everyone takes to the streets and bangs pots and pans. In doing so, they both drive away evil spirits and summon a prosperous year ahead.
As we wrap up, we wanted to close with a nod to our beloved Anatolia.
Some of the customs from different regions of our country are truly jaw-dropping. For instance, in one region there is a belief that whoever draws the first water from the spout on the first morning of the new year will become wealthy that year.
In another region, there is a tradition of bringing an ox into the house on the night of December 31st. If the ox steps into the courtyard with its right foot first, it is believed that the year will be filled with abundance.
As a final word: May everything beautiful in the new year be plentiful, and we wish you many more years alongside your loved ones.
