Here are some of the most unusual (and fascinating) New Year’s traditions from around the globe:
1. Smashing Plates – Denmark
In Denmark, the more broken dishes at your doorstep, the better! Danes save unused plates throughout the year and throw them at the doors of friends and family on New Year’s Eve. The act symbolizes affection and well wishes for the year ahead. The bigger the pile, the more friends and good luck you supposedly have.2. Eating 12 Grapes – Spain
As the clock strikes midnight in Spain, people eat 12 grapes, one for each chime of the bell. Each grape represents one month of the year, and eating all 12 in time is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming months.3. Burning Scarecrows – Ecuador
Ecuadorians build scarecrow-like effigies called año viejo (old year), often stuffed with paper, fireworks, or photos symbolizing bad events or misfortunes from the past year. At midnight, they set them ablaze to burn away negativity and welcome a fresh, prosperous start.4. Colorful Underwear – Latin America, Spain & Italy
In several Latin American countries, as well as Spain and Italy, people wear brightly colored underwear on New Year’s Eve for luck:Red for love
Yellow for wealth
White for peace
Green for health
Apparently, even your undergarments can set your intentions for the year!
5. Throwing Furniture – Some European Cultures
In certain parts of Europe (especially southern Italy), people throw old furniture out the window at midnight. While not so common today due to safety concerns, the tradition symbolizes letting go of the past and making space for the new.6. Jumping Seven Waves – Brazil
Many Brazilians head to the beach on New Year’s Eve to jump over seven waves, making a wish for each one. The ritual honors Iemanjá, the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea, and is believed to bring luck, blessings, and protection.7. Wearing Polka Dots – Philippines
In the Philippines, wearing polka dots and surrounding oneself with round objects (coins, fruits, etc.) is a popular tradition. The round shape symbolizes prosperity and wealth, mimicking the shape of coins.8. Rolling Suitcases – Colombia
Want more travel in your life? In Colombia, people walk around the block at midnight with empty suitcases—a tradition called La Maleta. It’s believed to bring travel opportunities and adventure in the upcoming year.9. Making Noise – Denmark (Again!)
Aside from smashing plates, Danes also welcome the New Year by making as much noise as possible—banging pots, pans, and fireworks to scare away evil spirits and invite in positive energy.10. The Midnight Kiss – Many Western Cultures
Kissing someone special at midnight is a well-loved tradition in many Western cultures. It’s believed that starting the year with affection brings continued love, connection, and warmth throughout the year.11. Times Square Ball Drop – United States
A New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be complete for millions without watching the glittering ball drop in New York City's Times Square. The tradition began in 1907 and has become a global symbol of the countdown to the New Year.12. Hanging Onions – Greece
In Greece, families hang onions on their doors after attending New Year’s Day church services. Onions, with their ability to sprout even after being removed from the soil, symbolize growth, rebirth, and the promise of new beginnings.Which of these would you try next New Year’s Eve?
