The most interesting traditions from around the world
Philippines
Philippines people carry coins in their pockets, eat and display fruits that are round in shape. According to their beliefs, round objects are a sign of prosperity and hence one should keep them for a flourishing new year.
China
Many Chinese people will paint their door red as a symbol of happiness and good fortune. They may also choose to hide their knives so that nobody cuts themselves, as it is thought cutting could impact on the luck of the entire family for the coming year.
Germany
Many Germans will welcome in the new year by eating a donut filled with jam on liquor, called 'Phannkuckens'. However, as a practical joke some donuts are given a different filling, such as mustard - if you eat one of these it is seen as bad luck
Estonia
Traditionally New Years’ day involves Estonians trying to eat seven, nine or twelve times, as they are lucky numbers. The more they eat, the more plentiful food will be in the coming year.
Denmark
In Denmark, They smash dishes and glasses against the homes of their friends. Just another form of displaying affection, right! Also, when the clock turns 12, it is believed that leaping off from a chair will bring some fortune
Turkey
As the bells ring in the new year, it is traditional to open your front door and sprinkle salt ont the doorstep. The act is thought to bring peace and abundance to your home of business
Greece
The Greeks believe that turning the lights off during the midnight will help them in welcoming the new year with fresh eyes. With this, it’ll give them a fresh perspective to look at their lives.
Japan
In Japan they ring all of their bells 108 times in alignment with the Buddhist belief that this brings cleanness. It’s also considered good to be smiling going into the New Year as it supposedly brings good luck.
Ecuador
New Year in Ecuador os celebrated by the burning of effigies, along with photographs from the past year. Men sometimes dress up as women to represent the widows of the past year.
Brazil
In Brazil, as well as other Central and South America countries, it is thought to be lucky to wear special underwear on New Year’s Eve. The most popular colors are red, thought to bring love in the New Year, and yellow, thought to bring money.
Spain
In Spain, New Year’s Eve is all about good timing. When the clock strikes midnight, Spaniards try to eat a grape in time with each chime. Those who don’t manage to cram the right number of grapes at the right time face the threat of bad luck for the following year.
Panama
To drive off evil spirits for a fresh New Year’s start, it is tradition to burn effigies of well-known people such as television characters and political figures in Panama. The effigies are meant to represent the old year.