New Year’s Traditions From Around The World

Spain

In Spain, it is customary to eat a dozen grapes to a chime of bells. The Spaniards believe that this ritual will bring good luck for the next year. And grape in jars is sold in stores without seeds and skin.

And one more interesting point: the New Year should be celebrated in red underwear so as not to have financial difficulties all year. This tradition applies to both men and women.

Italy

The Italians believe that prior to starting the New Year you should get rid of everything old and unnecessary. Therefore, temperamental Italians throw old things right out of the windows of their houses, and passers-by risk getting caught in the rain from various garbage.

Sweden

The Swedes are very fond of different fortune-telling. On New Year’s Eve, they throw the plates they’ve been collecting all year at their neighbors’ doors. The smaller the fragments, the more happiness is expected in the new year. And gifts for children in Sweden are brought not by Santa Claus, but by the gnome Jul Tomten, who has many helpers in this responsible business: various animals, trolls, fairies and the Snow Queen.

Japan

The Japanese celebrate the New Year necessarily in new clothes in order to protect themselves from diseases and lead a charmed life. In the houses, the Japanese put willow or bamboo branches and decorate them with flowers, fruits and mochi balls. The Christmas tree is a small mochibana tree. There is a belief that at the end of the holiday each family member needs to eat as many mochibana decorations as they are old, and then happiness will definitely find its owner. On New Year’s Eve, every Japanese dreams of hearing 108 bells in order to become better and get rid of negative stuff.

Brazil

In Brazil, the ocean sparkles with lights on New Year’s Eve. According to tradition, the Brazilians make a wish and float rafts with candles and gifts to the sea-goddess. White flower petals are thrown into the water, in the hope that the ocean will accept wishes and not throw the petals ashore. There is no chime of bells here, as the seconds remaining until midnight are counted out loud. The Brazilians, dressed in all white, forgive each other on this night, hug, exchange souvenirs and watch a light show or fireworks together. And the carnival begins after the celebration of the New Year.

Australia

In Australia, the New Year is celebrated not in winter, but in summer, and Santa Claus is greeted in bathing suits, lying on air mattresses, because there is a forty-degree heat there on the holiday’s eve. Various creative groups perform here in the open air. One of the largest fireworks on the planet is launched into the sky at Sydney Harbor. The magnificence of fireworks is usually pleasant to evaluate from the tower of the Sydney city, tickets are sold there in advance. In all states, the Australians wish a happy New Year to each other loudly and noisily. On the first of January, they go to the beach, where they enjoy surfing, dancing and organizing picnics. The parties continue for 5 more days.

New Year is a holiday that adults and children all over the world look forward to. Despite different traditions, everyone is united by the anticipation of something new and belief in miracles. Don’t forget to buy gifts for your family and friends. And remember that the holiday is created by you and not by the date in the calendar!