Mia New Year’s Eve is an event that is celebrated worldwide. But the way of celebrating is different and in these ways of fasting there are also unusual traditions, which are thought to bring good luck.
Here are some of the strangest traditions:
- Scarecrow Burning (Ecuador)
In Ecuador, on new years eve, many citizens burn scarecrows stuffed with paper. In the list of burning letters are old photos representing bad memories. Referring to an ancient tradition, it is thought that by doing this action, it helps to remove the bad luck or bad things that have happened in the past 12 months.
- Breaking dishes (Denmark)
Although the breaking of dishes by the Greeks is most famous during cases of swearing, this tradition is also famous in Denmark. In fact, on New Year’s Eve, Danes throw away dishes that were used during the year, slamming them on the doors of family or friends to bring them luck. The more dishes they find in front of the house, the more luck they will have during the new year… as it seems!
- 108 rings (Japan)
If you celebrate the new year in Japan, you will hear the sounds of 108 bells echoing through the streets. This Buddhist tradition is believed to help remove human sins and bring good luck to anyone who hears them. In addition, the Japanese believe it is good luck if the new year finds you laughing.
- Wearing colored underwear (South America)
According to tradition, there is a superstition that wearing underwear can determine what the new year will bring you. In South America, countries like Mexico, Bolivia and Brazil believe that the color of what you wear determines what the new year will bring you. Those who want to find love should wear colored clothes in red for the new year. If you want peace, white is enough. Just as if you are looking for well-being, you do well to choose the color green.
- Round things (Philippines)
In the Philippines, the hope for prosperity in the coming year is expressed through circling oneself on New Year’s Eve. From coins to grapes, each represents wealth and success.
- Throwing equipment out the window (Italy)
Across Italy, many people throw old equipment, (mostly light items) out the window, symbolizing a new launch next year. From pillows to sheets, everything that is no longer giving them joy.
- Throwing letters out the window (Argentina)
After tearing up all the old documents and papers, in Argentina it is a tradition to throw their pieces out the window but packaged as gifts. According to custom, they tear everything down while the years change, thus symbolizing that they are leaving the past behind.
- Talking to animals (Romania)
In Romania, farmers spend the new year communicating with their animals. Apparently, if they succeed, they will be lucky in their journey.
- Onion at the door (Greece)
An onion is placed in front of the door of houses on New Year’s Eve in Greece, as a symbol of rebirth in the new year. On New Year’s Day, parents wake their children by touching them on the head with onions.
- 12 grapes (Spain)
In Spain, it is a tradition to eat 12 grapes, each for each month of the new year, at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Each grape represents good luck for each month of the year. In big cities like Madrid or Barcelona, people gather in big squares and eat their grapes together.
