Unique New Years Traditions Worldwide.

It is almost that time again. Time to usher out the old and ring in the new. Some will be sharing a kiss at midnight and drinking champagne. Some will be at party's watching the ball drop and singing Auld Lang Syne. All of this followed by eating all of the lucky food on New Years day ( greens, black eyed peas, cornbread, ect...) . But what about other traditions around the world. Here is a list of New years traditions from around the globe.

1. Chile
Chileans families celebrate the New Year with deceased members by setting up chairs next to their graveside.This is a way to include all family members in the New Year's festivities for eternity.  

2.South Africa

In downtown Jo-burg, locals throw old appliances out the window. Look Out Below!

3.The Philippines 

 

It has been long noted that most culture's have found something to be inherently sacred about circles. But in the Philippines is most poignant during the start of the New Year. From wearing polka dot designs to stocking up on round fruits, eating grapes (12 exactly), and tossing coins around a pan as they march around the house, Filipinos keep everything round for the New Years. They do this because it's believed to bring good luck to every one in the home.

4. Denmark

Throughout the year, Danes save their old dishes only to throw them by the dozen at the doorsteps of family friends on New Years. In theory, the bigger the pile of broken dishes you find on your door steps, the bigger pile of friends you have. 

They also stand on chairs and then jump off them together at midnight. Leaping into January is supposed to banish bad spirits and bring good luck. 

 

5. Colombia

Hoping for a travel-filled year, residents tote empty suitcases around the block.

 

 6. Central and South America

 

In many Central and South American countries, the color of your underwear can either bring in love or money in the new year. Bolivia is perhaps most known for the tradition of wearing bright yellow undies to increase fortune for the the new year. In Mexico, red is most popular for bringing in love and happiness after midnight.  

 

7. Finland
It’s a longtime Finnish tradition to predict the coming year by casting molten tin into a container of water, and then interpreting the shape the metal takes after hardening. A heart or ring shape means a wedding in the New Year; a ship forecasts travel; and a pig shape signifies plenty of food. 

 

8. Scotland

 

During the New Year’s Eve celebration of Hogmanay, “first-footing” is practiced all over Scotland. The custom dictates that the first person to cross the threshold of a home in the New Year should carry a gift for luck (whiskey is the most common). The Scots also hold bonfire ceremonies, most notably in the small fishing village of Stonehaven, where townsmen parade while swinging giant fireballs on poles overhead (supposedly symbols of the sun, to purify the coming year.

 

So that is my top 8 New Years traditions from around the globe.  What special traditions do your family and friends uphold during this festive holiday?  

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!