New Year’s Eve Traditions
What are you going to do for New Year’s Eve? Do you want to travel abroad? We are sure that you will see the fireworks and drink champagne as soon as the clock strikes 12 o’clock. But would you also participate in the following traditions?
1. New Year’s Eve in Spain
While most people drink a glass of champagne at midnight, the Spanish take a different route. In Spain it is a tradition to eat twelve grapes at the turn of the year, one for each bell. If you manage to eat twelve grapes within twelve chimes, you will bring happiness and good luck to the New Year. Small boxes of special grapes are even sold in supermarkets at this time of year, specifically for this tradition. Another fun fact: the Spanish also believe that wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve will bring extra happiness for the coming year.
2. New Year’s Eve in Australia
Grab a pan or pot, spoon, and make as much noise as possible across the street on New Year’s Eve. This is the tradition in Australia, as people see it as a sign of good luck, as the noise drives away evil spirits. Ring in the new year with fantastic fireworks over the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
3. New Year’s Eve in Scotland
Do you want to close the year like a true Scotsman? In Scotland, they fill barrels with tar, set them on fire and roll them down the street. The new year is also celebrated with the song “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. The New Year is also called Hogmanay, the celebration of the winter solstice. The celebrations usually last until January 1st and people often enjoy a meatloaf as a hangover meal.
4. New Year’s Eve in France
In France, on New Year’s Eve, or le réveillon de Nouvel an, as they like to call it, the French gather with family and friends for a big dinner. Continue for hours with culinary dishes such as oysters, snails, foie gras, smoked salmon, and other delights. The French believe that a proper meal on New Year’s Eve will bring wealth and prosperity to the house. Champagne is a must on New Year’s Eve. Party with family and friends until late at night. Bonne Année!
5. New Year’s Eve in Denmark
Do you have old crockery at home? This can be used for New Years celebrations in Denmark. In the countryside it is customary to throw the crockery against the neighbor’s door. The bigger the stack, the more friends and luckier you’ll have in the new year.
6. New Year’s Eve in Russia
In Russia, the tradition for New Year’s Eve is to write your wish on a piece of paper, burn it, throw the ashes into your glass with champagne and drink it exactly at 12 o’clock. If you finish your drink, it is believed that your wish will come true.
7. New Year’s Eve in Hungary
Don’t say “No” if you’re offered a bottle of champagne in Hungary, and be prepared to get lots of kisses. At 12 o’clock everyone sings along with the national anthem.
8. New Year’s Eve in Italy
In Italy, Italians will party late into the night at the New Year’s Eve Capo di Capo ball and stay awake to witness the first sunrise of the new year. Happy New Year!
9. New Year’s Eve in China
In China, the New Year is celebrated from late January to mid-February for no less than 15 days. Traditions include painting the front door red, cleaning the house, paying off debts, and celebrating in new clothes. Red is considered the happiest and luckiest color in China, so you’ll see a lot of red during this time.
10. New Year’s Eve in Germany
Lead smelting is part of the New Year in Germany. Bleigießen in German means pouring hot lead into a pot of water. Lead pouring is a tradition in which hot lead is heated in a ladle over a candle or other fire. Molten lead is poured into cold water where it takes whatever shape the future is read from. You can also toast the New Year with a glass of sparkling wine.
