New Year’s Eve, a time for both reflection and celebration, is marked by a diverse array of traditions worldwide. While some customs focus on warding off bad luck or attracting good fortune, others are simply unique ways to enjoy the arrival of the new year. Let’s take a journey around the globe to discover 19 unique New Year’s Eve traditions from various cultures.
1. Banging Bread on Walls – Ireland
In Ireland, it is customary to bang bread on the walls and doors of the home to drive out bad luck and invite good spirits. This tradition involves using a special Christmas bread and is seen as a way to start the new year with a fresh, clean slate. (1)
2. Throwing Old Furniture Out the Window – South Africa
Residents of Johannesburg, South Africa, welcome the new year by throwing old furniture out their windows. This tradition symbolizes letting go of the past and making room for new blessings. Often, this is accompanied by lively street celebrations as people embrace the forthcoming year. (2)
3. Writing Wishes on Paper and Burning It – Russia
In Russia, a particularly engaging tradition involves writing a wish for the new year on a piece of paper, burning it, and then mixing the ashes into a glass of champagne. The drink is consumed at one minute past midnight, marking a hopeful start to the year. (3)
4. Baking a Coin into a Cake – Greece
On St. Basil’s Day, January 1st, Greeks celebrate with a cake called “Vasilopita,” hiding a coin within. The person who finds the coin in their slice is said to be blessed with good luck for the year. This celebratory treat makes for a sweet beginning to the new year. (4)
5. Dropping Ice Cream on the Floor – Switzerland
A unique Swiss tradition involves dropping ice cream on the floor at the stroke of midnight. Unlike the sticky mess this might typically create, in Switzerland, it’s believed to bring abundance in the new year. (5)
6. Eating 12 Grapes at Midnight – Spain
In Spain, to herald good fortune, people eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each strike of the clock. This tradition, known as “Las doce uvas de la suerte,” dates back to the late 19th century and has since brought Spaniards much joy (and some hilarity) each New Year’s Eve. (6)
7. Carrying Empty Suitcases – Colombia
Dreaming of travel in the new year? Colombians carry empty suitcases around the block at midnight to attract adventurous travels over the next 12 months. This practice symbolizes the desire for new journeys and experiences. (7)
8. First Footing – Scotland
Scots participate in “First Footing,” where the first person to enter a home after midnight is believed to bring good luck, especially if they are a tall, dark-haired man. This tradition includes them bearing symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread, salt, and whiskey. (8)
9. Tossing White Flowers in the Ocean – Brazil
In Brazil, each New Year’s Eve sees people tossing white flowers into the Atlantic Ocean. This act is an offering to Yemoja, a water deity believed to bring good fortune. The sight of candles and flowers floating at sea creates a magical view. (9)
10. Eating Soba Noodles – Japan
The Japanese tradition of eating soba noodles, known as “Toshikoshi soba” or year-crossing noodles, symbolizes longevity and endurance. The long, buckwheat noodles are ingested quietly in reflection of the past year and with hope for the future. (10)
11. Celebrating with Lucky Pigs – Germany
In Germany, pigs are symbols of good luck and prosperity. Germans create pig-shaped marzipan treats called “Glücksschwein,” which they share and eat to foster good fortune in the new year. (11)
12. New Year’s Feast – France
In France, New Year’s Eve is synonymous with “Le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre,” a gourmet feast that includes oysters, foie gras, and champagne. This luxurious meal is part of an evening-long celebration that honors the ambiance and culinary richness of the French culture. (12)
13. Wearing Red for Good Luck – China
In China, red is a color associated with good luck and happiness. As such, Chinese New Year’s celebrations are often decorated with red lanterns, gift packets, and other festive items. It is commonplace to see this bright color wherever the celebrations occur. (13)
14. Smashing Pomegranates – Greece
Another Greek tradition involves smashing pomegranates against the door just after midnight. The number of seeds that scatter is believed to represent the amount of good luck expected in the coming year. This act is as symbolic as it is fun, adding excitement to the celebration. (14)
15. Cleaning Homes Thoroughly – Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, the new year kicks off with an extensive cleaning of homes, cars, and neighborhoods. This effort represents removing negative energy and inviting positive vibes into the year ahead. (15)
16. Cutting Apples to Tell Fortunes – Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, apples are cut in half on New Year’s Eve to predict the future. The shape found inside—a star signifies good health and luck, while a cross warns of potential misfortune—guides residents’ expectations for the coming year. (okay, technically a!–>…
15. Cleaning Streets, Cars, and More – Puerto Rico
Puerto Ricans believe in starting the new year with a clean slate. As such, they perform deep cleaning of their homes, cars, and even streets, ensuring all aspects of life are rid of the old year’s dust and are prepared for the new year’s experiences. (15)
16. Cutting Apples for Fortune – Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, apples are halved on New Year’s Eve, and the shape of the core is interpreted to predict fortunes. A star shape signifies prosperity and health, while a cross may forewarn of bad health in the coming year. (16)
17. Eating Lucky Lentils – Italy
In Italy, lentils are a traditional part of New Year’s Eve dinner, symbolizing coins and wealth. Italians believe these mini legumes can bring financial prosperity in the year ahead. The dish is usually enjoyed alongside “cotechino” (a special pork sausage). (17)
18. Sprinkling Salt – Turkey
In contrast to some cultures where spilling salt is seen as bad luck, Turks sprinkle salt over their doorsteps at midnight to invite success and good fortune into their homes. This act is believed to bring peace and prosperity. (18)
19. Three Potatoes Under the Bed – Colombia
Colombians place three potatoes – one peeled, one unpeeled, and one half-peeled – under their beds. At midnight, they reach under and pick one. The potato they select symbolizes their financial outlook for the year: peeled means financial struggle, unpeeled signifies prosperity, and half-peeled represents a mixture of both. (19)
New Year’s Eve traditions worldwide highlight the diverse ways in which people celebrate this pivotal moment of transition. These practices, whether quirky, solemn, or elaborate, all share a common thread: they pave the path for good fortune and joy in the upcoming year while honoring the past. Whether you adopt a new tradition or celebrate with your own customs, may the new year bring you prosperity and happiness. Happy New Year!
