Holiday Spirit: 10 Unique New Year’s Eve Traditions from Around the World
In the United States, the new year is one of our favorite days to celebrate! We watch the ball drop in Times Square, make resolutions and eat different food for good luck. But other cultures and countries have very different customs for ringing in the new year. Here are 10 unique New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world.
Ecuador Everyone cobbles together paper dummies — similar to scarecrows — to represent all the bad luck and disappointment of the last year. At the stroke of midnight, everyone sets their dummies on fire in the streets.
Scotland The first person to cross the threshold on New Year’s Day is thought to be the bringer of good luck for the coming year. This is called “first footing.”
Denmark They save their chipped and otherwise unwanted dishes to throw at the doors of friends. Whether or not this determines your luck for the year is uncertain, but the pile of broken dishes you have at your doorstep on the last day of the year is a measure of how many friends you have.
Germany They look to lead to determine one’s fortune in the new year. They pour molten lead into cold water where it takes shape — a heart for marriage, circles or spheres for good luck and the shape of an anchor for bad luck — and predicts what your year will bring.
South America New, colorful underwear for the new year is a must. If you want love, wear red underwear. If it’s financial success, yellow underwear is what you need. For peace, stick to white underwear.
Switzerland They drop dollops of whipped cream on the floor and leave it there. It’s thought to bring good fortune for the next 365 days.
Peru Outside of Lima, they have their very own fight club. Everyone has a fist fight to get rid of any resentments over the last year and start the new year with a clean slate.
Greece To bring wealth and success for the coming year, it’s customary to crack open a pomegranate on your doorstep before entering your home on New Year’s Day.
Belgium On New Year’s Day, children craft special letters to their parents. It’s something like a Valentine — they create a collage of angels, cherubs and roses — and then read the letters out loud to their parents.
Japan Don’t be alarmed when the temple bells don’t stop ringing! That’s 108 chimes from the Buddhist temples. Each ring represents temptations to resist in order to achieve peace of mind.
Every day is a good day for a party at LTD! Whether you’re celebrating the new year or you’re celebrating your birthday, look to LTD for ideas and products to make your party memorable.
