By Lyla Shroff
New Year’s Eve is a time of joy and celebration, marked by various traditions that differ across cultures. As the clock ticks down to midnight, people around the globe engage in unique customs that reflect their history, beliefs, and hopes for the future. Here, we bring you 10 distinctive NYE traditions from different corners of the world.
1. Spain – The Twelve Grapes of Luck
Spaniards believe that eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight brings good luck for each month of the coming year. This tradition, known as ‘Las doce uvas de la suerte’, is a fun and tasty way to welcome the new year.
2. Japan – Joyous Food and Rituals
Known as Joya no Kane, Buddhist temples in Japan ring their bells 108 times to symbolise the 108 human sins. This ritual aims to purify the soul, leaving behind the previous year’s transgressions and welcoming the new year with a clean slate. It is also tradition to eat ‘Toshikoshi soba’, long buckwheat noodles symbolising longevity, served hot or cold, with the hearty plant representing resilience.
3. Denmark – Shattering Plates
Danish tradition involves collecting old and unused dishes throughout the year and then shattering them against the doors of friends and family on New Year’s Eve. The more broken plates left at your doorstep, the more popular you are said to be.
4. Philippines – Round Shapes
Filipinos believe that consuming round-shaped fruits, such as grapes, oranges, and watermelons, brings prosperity and good fortune in the coming year. It is popular to consume 12 units of these fruits as each fruit represents a month of the year. Circular objects symbolise money and abundance in Filipino culture.
5. Greece – Hanging Onions on Doors
In Greece, a New Year’s Eve tradition involves hanging an onion on the front door of homes. This custom symbolises rebirth and growth in the coming year. The onion, known for its ability to sprout new growth from its layers, represents the hope for new beginnings and prosperity in the upcoming year.
6. USA – Times Square Ball Drop
In the US, an iconic New Year’s Eve tradition is the ball drop in Times Square in New York City. As the clock counts down to midnight, a giant crystal ball descends from a pole atop a building. The ball drop has become a symbol of hope, unity, and shared excitement for a fresh start.
7. Ireland – Bread Banging
In Ireland, a unique New Year’s Eve tradition involves bread banging. Families take a loaf of bread and bang it against the walls of their homes to ward off evil spirits and bad luck for the coming year. This rhythmic banging is believed to drive away negativity and invite good fortune and prosperity into the household.
8. Columbia – Empty Suitcase Stroll
In Colombia, a distinctive custom revolves around carrying an empty suitcase around the block or the neighbourhood. This practice symbolises a desire for travel and adventure in the upcoming year. By parading with an empty suitcase, Colombians hope to invite opportunities for exciting journeys and new experiences in the year ahead.
9. Canada – Ice Fishing
In Canada, the New Year’s tradition of ice fishing involves drilling holes into frozen lakes and rivers to fish. This activity celebrates the winter season and fosters a sense of community while appreciating nature’s beauty.
10. Scotland – First Footing
In Scotland, the New Year’s tradition of ‘first-footing’ involves being the first person to enter a household after midnight, bearing symbolic gifts like whisky, shortbread, or coal. This tradition is believed to bring luck and prosperity to the home for the upcoming year.
