Celebrating New Year’s around the world differs from place to place, and it is always interesting to learn about other cultures and traditions. As we ring in the New Year’s here in the United States, let’s take a look at some of the interesting New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world.
New Year’s Eve Traditions Around the World | 8 Countries with The Strangest and Interesting New Year’s Traditions
Below we will list out some of the most interesting and strange New Year’s Eve traditions around the world.
Now, it’s time to countdown from eight to one!
8. Hawaii
It is a tradition to set off fireworks in order to scare away any evil spirits that might be lurking around. It is said that the loud noises will frighten away any bad spirits and bring in good luck for the new year.
Another interesting tradition is First Day Hike. This is a hike that is typically done on the first day of the new year. It is said that the hike will bring good luck and health for the new year.
in Hawaii, it is a tradition to eat Sashimi on New Year’s Eve. This is because Sashimi is typically eaten as a celebration dish. Thus, it is believed that if one eats good luck and fortune will follow.
7. France
New Year’s Eve is a big celebration in France. People are known to have dinner at nine pm where they eat oysters, foie gras, and black-eyed peas. This is because those items were meant to bring good luck in the New Year!
For the French people, New Year’s Eve is also a time to eat cabbage. Eating cabbage is said to bring wealth in the New Year.
6. Spain
Spain has a few unique New Year’s Eve traditions as well. One tradition is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. Each grape represents a month of the year. When the clock strikes midnight, people quickly eat all 12 grapes to bring good luck for the coming year.
The clock is chiming and you have to swallow all twelve before the time runs out. If you can’t finish all 12 grapes, then it is said that you will be unlucky for the next month.
Another interesting tradition in Spain is Lottery Luck. The Christmas lottery is drawn every December 22nd, and some Spaniards believe that rubbing the lottery ticket on pregnant women’s bellies and bald man’s heads will bring luck.
5. Italy
Italians celebrate New Year’s with a big family meal, which usually consists of lentil soup, salad, and pasta. The tradition is to eat foods that are green in color because they symbolize money for the New Year.
Additionally, they consider eating a lot of lentils on New Year’s Eve will bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
It is also considered good luck to wear red underwear on New Year’s Day. Red is the color of love and good fortune.
4. Scotland
Hogmanay is the name of the Scottish New Year’s celebration. It is celebrated on December 31st and it is the biggest party of the year. People celebrate by attending concerts, participating in pub crawls, and watching fireworks.
One of the most popular traditions is to sing “Auld Lang Syne”. The song is about remembering old friends and fond memories.
Another tradition in Scotland is that of First Footing. The first person to cross your threshold between the old and new year is said to bring luck for the coming year. This tradition has to do with the idea that the first person to cross your threshold should be a tall, dark-haired man.
In Scotland, it is also considered bad luck to see a funeral procession on New Year’s Day.
3. Germany
Germans celebrate New Year’s by eating sausages. Yes, you read that right! They eat a lot of sausages to pass on good luck in the New Year.
However, it is said that if you do not eat pork or your dinner comes out looking messy, then you will have a bad year.
Another tradition in Germany is to light fireworks at midnight. Fireworks are said to bring good luck and happiness in the New Year.
2. Brazil
Brazilians celebrate New Year’s by wearing white. This is because white is the color of happiness and good luck.
One of the interesting traditions in Brazil is to be on the beach and jump over seven waves at midnight. People believe that if they bathe in the ocean at midnight, they will wash away all their bad luck from the past year.
1. Japan:
Japan has a unique way of ringing in the New Year. They celebrate with a bell-ringing ceremony known as “joya no kane.” The bells are rung 108 times, and the sound is said to drive away bad luck and evil spirits.
In Japan, it is said that one should eat the year’s last meal. The last meal of the year has to be hot and include a type of grain. This is because the Japanese believe that eating hot food and grains will bring good luck in the New Year.
Finally, it is considered good luck in Japan to receive money as a New Year’s gift. So, if you know someone from Japan, be sure to give them a nice monetary gift for the New Year!
Final Thoughts on New Year’s Eve Traditions Around the World
The New Year is a time for reflection and hope for the future. It is a time when people around the world come together to celebrate in their own unique way. Whether it’s eating sausages in Germany, ringing bells in Japan, or wearing white in Brazil, each tradition is steeped in symbolism and meaning.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and experience the New Year’s Eve traditions around the world! You never know, you might just bring some good luck your way.
