If you’re from the U.S. it’s easy to assume that the rest of the world celebrates the New Year the same way that we do: With a big party, glasses of champagne, and a kiss at midnight. But people around the world have their own New Year’s traditions for celebrating new beginnings, which Americans can learn from.
Denmark:
In the U.S., if you found a smashed dish on your front doorstep, it would be reason for concern. But in Denmark, a smashed plate is a sign of good luck for the year to come. Individuals in Denmark will often smash a plate in front of the home of their friends to bring them 12 months of luck.
Source: BBC
Spain:
Nothing says a good year like stuffing food into your mouth, right? Spaniards take this idea literally, and have the tradition of trying to fit 12 grapes in their mouth at the stroke of midnight. Each grape represents a month of the year to come, and accomplishing the task is a sign of good fortune.
Source: Metro
Italy:
Stumped about what to serve your family on New Year’s day? The Italians stand by a hearty serving of lentils, which is said to bring prosperity since the lentils look like little coins. Worth a try, right?
Source: Martha Stewart
Mexico:
In Mexico, what you’re wearing under your New Year’s clothes is just as important as the rest of your outfit. Donning yellow underwear is said to bring prosperity and success while red underwear will bring you love and romance. White brings peace and serenity, and green ensures good health.
Source: USA Today
Romania:
Do you happen to have a bear costume leftover from Halloween gathering dust in your closet? Herald the New Year the same way as Romanians do by breaking it out for the celebration. Because bears are symbols of protection and healing in Romanian folklore, the people will often dress up as dancing bears to chase bad spirits away.
Source: BBC
Columbia:
If you’re a nomad at heart, take a page out of the book of Columbians with this tradition: People in Columbia will run around the block with a suitcase in hand to ensure a year filled with travel and adventures.
Source: Metro
Greece:
If one of you New Year’s resolutions just so happens to be doing more baking, start with the sweet bread “vasilopita.” Greek families will make the bread at the end of the year with a single coin baked into the center. The person who finds the coin in their slice will have luck during the year to come.
Source: Martha Stewart
Change things up this year by trying any of these world traditions at your own end of the year bash.