12 Curious New Year’s Traditions around the World You Didn’t Know about.
Sherrie Hurd, A.A.
January 1st, 2021
There are many New Year’s traditions understood by most people. However, there are also many strange traditions as well.
As the new year approaches, we get ready to honor family New Year’s traditions. For most people, these traditions are simple and exciting.
There are other traditions that seem a bit odd, however, but observed none-the-less. These curious traditions are memorable and perfect subjects to talk about during the
Christmas holidays.
Curious New Years traditions
Some of you may only celebrate the new year by attending a party or staying up all night to count down the minutes until the new year. Other people around the world may celebrate New Year’s traditions in a whole other way. Here are a few of the strangest New Year’s traditions that will probably be celebrated again this coming year.
1. Twelve grapes in Spain
Since the year 1909, when the grape harvest was flourishing, citizens of Spain have celebrated the new year by eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight.
Twelve, it seems, is a symbolic number that brings good luck for the new year. Grapes are enjoyed either alone or with a glass of champagne.
2. Colorful underwear in South America
What color underwear you’re wearing on the New Year comes will determine your fortune. For instance, red underwear means you will find love, so those who wear this color believe that love resides in the new year. Green signifies money that will come, and white reveals a peaceful new year.
3. Fist fighting in Peru
If you want to take New Year’s traditions to the extreme, then Peru has a curious solution to that. In some parts of Peru, the new year is started off with a fight between rivals. This fight signifies a new start and settled differences.
It is a tradition that may have come from the ancient legend of promising the Gods that all debts would be paid.
4. Ringing 108 bells in Japan
The New Year’s tradition in Japan revolves around bells. Aligned with
Buddhist beliefs, the Japanese must ring 108 bells as a symbol of a new start to the year. They also believe that smiling into the new year is also important as a symbol of coming happiness.
5. Graveside in Chili
There’s one tradition that may seem morbid to some people. To others, this tradition is comforting. Citizens of Chili sleep next to the
graves of loved ones to bring in the new year.
This could be seen as a way to retain the remembrance of their loved ones as another year passes without them.
6. Spiritual warfare in Ireland
During New Year’s Eve, the Irish celebrate by throwing bread against the wall. Umm….sounds really strange, doesn’t it? Well, apparently, this bread throwing event is used to ward off evil spirits.
7. Drastic renovations in South Africa
When the new year comes, people in South Africa decide to make a drastic change in their homes. No, they don’t make silly resolutions. They go a bit further than that.
They actually throw old furniture out their windows. Talk about making a new start with home renovations!
8. Pancakes in France
The French ring in the new year by eating stacks of scrumptious pancakes. Now,
be honest with yourself, this is about one of the best ways to start a new and yummy new year! Caution: as long as you don’t eat too much and spend the first day with a tummy ache.
9. Lentils in Italy
Although not quite as tasty in my opinion, eating lentils in Italy is believed to bring
good luck. Apparently, even Romans gave legumes to be exchanged for gold coins. Yes, lentils and other legumes bring fortune, so they are well worth the meal.
Side note: I might want to mention that in the U.S. we eat black-eyed peas and hog jowls….just saying.
10. Jogging to see friends in London
At the chime of the new year, Londoners see who can reach their destination first. Starting on the first hour of the new year, Londoners everywhere will be jogging to the homes of their
friends and family as a symbol of being the first bearer of good fortune.
11. Eating and eating in Estonia
According to most health and nutrition rules, you are supposed to have 6 small meals a day. In Estonia, on New years day, seven meals are required. The consumption of these meals symbolizes strength for the new year. Careful once again, you wouldn’t want to overeat.
12. Desert treasures in Bolivia
If it wasn’t weird enough to find miniature baby replicas in King cakes during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, now you can find gold coins in your other deserts in Bolivia.
It’s true, this New Year’s tradition brings great fortune to those who find coins in their cakes or other confections.
Happy New Year!
So, what are your own personal New Year’s traditions and resolutions? I think the most important thing we should remember, whether we enjoy curious traditions or not, is that the New Year symbolizes a second chance. If this past year hasn’t been your best, now’s the chance to change that.
I wish you Happy Holidays during this joyous season! Be happy and be safe!
References:
Staff writer at Learning Mind
Sherrie Hurd is a professional writer and artist with over 20 years of experience. As a survivor of childhood trauma and multiple types of abuse, she is an advocate for mental health awareness. Sherrie manages multiple mental illnesses, including anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. With this background and personal experience, she strives to help others overcome trauma and abuse, cope with mental illness, and heal over time.
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