10 Strangest New Year Eve's traditions around the world

Quirky Fun: 10 Strangest New Year Eve’s traditions around the world

Perin Sidhu

29 Dec 2015

updated the 3 January 2016 à 11:16

1/10
Japan
The Japanese believe that ringing a bell 108 times on New Year's Eve brings about good luck for the coming year. This is due to the Buddhist belief that ringing the bell brings cleanness.
2/10
Australia
You won't hear your neighbours complaining on NYE if you are living in Australia. The people from Down Under celebrate NYE by banging their pots and pans loudly at midnight.
3/10
Switzerland
Oops! The ice cream was not dropped on purpose. In Switzerland, dropping your ice cream is a way to celebrate the New Year.
4/10
Brazil
The Brazilians believe in wearing white to scare away any bad spirits before the new year arrives.
5/10
Chile
Eating a spoonful of lentils in Chile might just guarantee you more money and job opportunities in the coming year.
6/10
Romania
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. There, they throw their spare coins into the river to get good luck.
7/10
Spain
Eating 12 grapes on NYE might get you luck for the entire year ahead.
8/10
Ecuador
Ecuador's NYE culture is to burn either a doll or scarecrow. The act of burning away the object symbolizes the end of the old year and the welcoming of the new one.
9/10
Germany
Germans believe in taking a cold plunge on NYE to countdown.
10/10
Denmark
Breaking plates in Denmak is a way to indicate that the New Year is well on its way.

From making noise to throwing bread, you’ve probably never imagined doing any of these for NYE.

If there is one thing that remains the same around the globe, that’s the spirit of New Year. Regardless of your race, language or even nationality, the New Year is welcomed by one and all with open arms. It symbolizes the hope for a great year ahead along with the aspirations one might have for a new chapter. What differs though is how the New Year is welcomed – believe it or not, there are many different ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Take Scotland for example. In Scotland, the custom of first-footing is an important part of the celebration. Once the clock strikes midnight, the first foot to cross a threshold after midnight will predict the next year’s fortune.

Intrigued? Head on over to the gallery up top for more of these interesting and quirky traditions around the world!

Perin Sidhu

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