18 New Year’s Eve Traditions From Around the World

The traditions you've probably never heard of!
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Spain

Once the clock strikes midnight, Spaniards eat 12 grapes for good luck!

Bolivia

Coins are baked into cakes, served on New Year’s Eve – the one who finds it in their slice has good luck!

Philippines

Eating round food (emulating the shape of coins) signifies a year of wealth and good fortune.

Mexico

A firework show at midnight is believed to ward off evil spirits with its loud noises.

Chile

Eating a spoonful of lentils as the clock strikes midnight for a successful New Year.

The Netherlands

From Christmas tree bonfires to street-side fireworks, the Dutch look to fires to get rid of the old and to welcome in the new.

Estonia

Eating seven meals on New Year’s Day for a plentiful year filled with strength.

Cuba

Emptying a bucket of water out of the window, to get rid of all the unfortunate experiences of the previous year.

Switzerland

Dropping ice cream on the ground to welcome an abundance of good fortune in the New Year.

Japan

Buddhist temples around the country ring bells 108 times, symbolizing the cleansing of a soul.

Denmark

Breaking dishes for good luck!

Russia

Writing a wish on a piece of paper and burning it to ashes. The ashes are then poured into a glass of champagne and consumed.

Brazil

Making a wish and throwing flowers (by the boatload!) into a body of water.

Germany

Eating sauerkraut to bring in a year of blessings and wealth.

Poland

Smudging windows and doorknobs with tar, to drive out bad spirits from the home.

Ireland

Banging loaves of bread against a wall to ward off bad spirits and invite in good luck.

USA – The South

Eating black-eyed-peas for a year of prosperity.

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Anna Kocharian

Writer/Editor

Anna has a penchant for travel, fresh flowers, and books. You can usually find her on some sort of culinary adventure, seeking the best burgers or waffles in the city.