Unique New Year’s Eve Traditions from Around the World That May Surprise You
by Carolyn Lee Dec 27, 2021
We love that the holidays allow us to reconnect with family and friends. We make time to catch up with each other over delicious food and drinks. We also celebrate traditions we hold dear.
Church services, fireworks, New Year’s Eve balls, and parties are a few common traditions we enjoy in the Caribbean. Other countries also enjoy these activities. However, some countries are known for their unique New Year’s Eve traditions.
We have a few unusual but delightful traditions from around the world that may surprise you.
Ecuador: Let it burn.
New Year’s Eve signals saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming new beginnings. Los años viejos (the old years) is a popular tradition in Ecuador. This tradition involves building scarecrow-like effigies that often resemble notable people they like or dislike. The scarecrow is set on fire at midnight to symbolise releasing the lows of the old year and hope for the new year.
Denmark: A smash of friendship and good luck.
Most Caribbean folks would be annoyed if they woke up to a large pile of smashed plates outside their door. However, smashing plates is a vibrant New Year’s Eve tradition in Denmark. Danes throw dishes at the front door of their neighbours and friends. The broken china represents leaving negativity behind. The size of the pile determines how much luck you will have in the new year.
Spain: Get ready to eat 12 lucky grapes.
Eating grapes to start the new year can be a nice treat if you spend New Year’s Eve in Spain. The tradition involves eating 12 grapes to secure prosperity for the new year. Spaniards eat one grape for each stroke of the clock until midnight. This tradition was started in the 1800s by grape farmers to encourage the sale of grapes.
Japan: Ringing of 108 bells.
The sound of bells ringing on New Year’s Eve in Japan is a tradition believed to cleanse the sins of the old year and welcome good luck. The sound of bells chiming can be heard from Buddhist temples all over Japan. There are 107 chimes before midnight, and the 108th chime happens in the new year.
Italy: Furniture tossing out the window.
The New Year tradition of tossing furniture out the window may seem strange, but it is one way to truly live up to the statement, “out with the old.” Many locals in Italy throw furniture out the window to represent a fresh start for the new year. The items are old possessions and are usually small and soft to prevent injuring others.
Philippines: Rounding out the year.
We all have financial goals for the new year, but in the Philippines, they take it a step further. On New Year’s Eve, Filipinos surround themselves with round things to welcome wealth and prosperity for the upcoming year. Coins, grapes and clothing with circles help to support this unique tradition.
We love that all these traditions highlight culture and goals for a great new year. We hope you are excited to share in your own New Year’s Eve traditions this year. Keep safe, and best wishes for a prosperous new year!
