2018 is coming to an end which means New Year’s celebrations are right around the corner. Whether it’s setting goals and intentions for the New Year, or gathering with loved ones to watch the ball drop at midnight, we all have our own traditions to celebrate the New Year. Learn more about the unique ways people ring in the New Year around the world.
Japan – Ring A Bell 108 Times To Banish Unhappiness
According to the Japanese Buddhist tradition, there are 108 obstacles to happiness. Thus, a bell is rung 107 times on December 31, and then once just after midnight on January 1 (the sound from one strike must die down before you strike the bell again). Each ring symbolizes eliminating of problems associated with a given obstacle over the past year and starting fresh in the New Year.
Columbia – Carry A Suitcase To Ensure A Year Full Of Travel
If you spend New Year’s Eve in Columbia, you may see people running around the block with a suitcase at midnight. It is believed that this will bring an adventurous year full of travel.
Denmark – Break Dishes For Good Luck
Over the course of the year in Denmark, any chipped dishware is set aside for New Year’s Eve. When the day comes, families go around smashing plates against friends’ doors for good luck. Having lots of broken stuff on your doorstep in the morning is believed to be a great New Year’s omen.
Greece – Use Onions To Symbolize New Growth
The New Year’s tradition in Greece involves onions because some of them keep growing even when removed from soil, which represents a generative instinct. You will find onions hanging on front doors to invite positive growth in the New Year. Also, those same onions are used to wake children on New Year’s morning with a ceremonial (gentle) tap on the head to bring them longevity and health.
Spain – Eat 12 Grapes To Bless The Whole Year
To bless each month of the coming year, people in Spain eat one grape for each stroke of the midnight bell. Because of time-sensitivity, the tradition is often filled with messy eating and lots of laughter.
Post-Soviet Countries – Decorate A Different Kind Of Holiday Tree
Ukraine, Russia, and other former Soviet countries celebrate with a New Year tree decorated with treats, tangerines, and special toys. These New Year trees light up the long winter nights and keep spirits up through the holiday season into the New Year.
Brazil – Jump Over Seven Waves, Make Seven Wishes
New Year’s Eve in Brazil is usually spent at the beach, as people make offerings to the sea and wish upon seven waves (seven is considered a lucky number).
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