New Years Eve traditions from around the world
Different countries, different traditions
When it comes to New Years Eve, we like to keep it pretty simple here in England, restricting ourselves mainly to alcohol, fireworks and a giant clock chiming. Other countries have some more interesting traditions – from wearing specifically coloured underwear to smashing plates on your neighbours doorstep.
ARGENTINA
Creative Commons Flickr
In Argentina (and most of South America) it is a tradition to wear red underwear on NYE as it is believed to help you attract love in the coming year
SPAIN
Creative Commons Flickr
It is tradition to eat 12 grapes before midnight strikes! Each grape signifies one month of the year.
BRAZIL
Creative Commons Flickr
Wearing white to ward off bad spirits
PHILIPPINES
Creative Commons Flickr
Running around the house opening all the cupboards and shutting them again after the clock hits 12.
GERMANY
Creative Commons Flickr
Germans typically eat Raclette, which is made using a sort of heated device that is put on the table that people use to heat up pans of food covered with cheese. You can also cook food on the hot plate covering it.
GREECE
Creative Commons Flickr
In Greece, people tend to hang an onion on their front door as a symbol of rebirth the following year. They also tap their children on the head with this onion to wake them up the following morning.
DENMARK
Creative Commons Flickr
Here, it is a tradition to collect all your chipped or unwanted crockery. Then, on New Years Eve you smash it on your friends doorsteps. Apparently some see the amount of smashed plates on their doorstep as a sign of how popular you are…or maybe they just think that to cheer themselves up a bit whilst they have to clean up the mess.
COLUMBIA
Creative Commons Flickr
Columbians believe that walking around the house, or the streets, with your suitcase means that you will travel lots in the year ahead.
CHILE
Creative Commons Flickr
Chileans like to see the new year in with the company of their dead relatives. For example, the mayor in Talca opens the graveyard after late night mass and thousands sit on the graveyard floor listening to classical music, surrounded by candles.
ESTONIA
Creative Commons Flickr
People in Estonia eat seven, nine or TWELVE meals in one day as they are all seen as lucky numbers. This is meant to give strength for the coming year. They leave some of each meal for the spirits and ancestors that visit them on the night.
GUATEMALA
Creative Commons Flickr
Guatemalans take 12 pennies and go outside at midnight. Then they throw the pennies on the street behind them whilst facing the opposite way. They believe this will bring you money in the following year.
Happy New Year, guys!!!!
