At the turn of a new year people wish one another all the best for the next year. And while we exchange good wishes and gifts, some nations have the strangest new year good luck traditions.
From throwing white flowers in Brazil to painting the front door red in China, people do all kinds of things to attract good fortune in their lives and have an amazing year.
We have made a selection of some of the most interesting new year’s traditions around the world, check them out!
Scotland
Just before midnight there is a famous parade of people swing balls of fire over their heads for good luck. The balls are then tossed into the sea.
The tradition is a century old and originates in pre-Christian rituals for purification and warding off the evil spirits. According to some sources the fireballs actually symbolize the sun.
Myanmar
In Myanmar the coming of the New Year is marked with a water festival which is a cleansing ritual. The festival takes place in April and is famous for its water cannons.
This tradition marks the coming of the new year and washing away the bad luck and sins from previous years.
Spain
At midnight in Spain people would eat 12 grapes for good luck in the new year. The grapes represent the months of the year and one must eat them right before the clock strikes midnight.
If you do not manage to eat all grapes it is considered bad luck.
Brazil
On New Year’s eve Brazilians throw white flowers into the ocean as offerings to the Sea Goddess. In Brazil many people wear white on the last day of the year.
The offerings of candles and white flowers to please the Goddess of the Sea who blesses mothers and children.
China
One of the most interesting Chinese new year traditions is to paint the front door red for good luck.
Red is the color that brings happiness and luck, so it is the most popular color on big celebrations like weddings and other special occasions.
Denmark
In Denmark, broken glass or porcelain brings good luck, so locals smash their china and drop it to the doorstep of family and friends to bring them good fortune in the New Year.
The more broken glass on the doorstep the more friends wish you best of luck.
Italy
In Italy red is the color of fertility and love, so young people put on red underwear on New Year’s eve to attract luck and love in their lives.
Japan
In Japan there is a traditional ceremony of bell-ringing on New Year’s Eve. It is connected to Buddhist beliefs in which the bells must ring 108 times.
The number represents the sins of the religion and the ceremony is in temples.
Greece
In Greece people hang onions on the front door on New Year’s eve. This ritual signifies rebirth.
Each of these new year traditions sounds interesting and fun. What do you do to attract good luck into your life during the new year?
