New Year’s Eve Traditions Around the World

Scotland – Neighbors visit each other and impart wishes to celebrate Hogmanay. The first person to cross the threshold of a home in the new year should carry in a gift for good luck. However, it’s considered most lucky if the “first-footer” is a tall handsome man with dark hair. Meanwhile, the celebration outside involves traditional bagpipes and drums playing. There are also balls made of wire filled with paper and material scraps that are set on fire and tossed into the bay.

Germany – Berlin is home to one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in Europe with millions of people showing up each year. It’s called Silvester and involves parties, fireworks, and Sekt (German sparkling wine). At home, families melt lead by holding a flame under a tablespoon. They pour it into a bucket of water and the pattern is said to predict the coming year. A heart/ring shape means an upcoming wedding, a ball means luck will roll your way, and a pig means you’ll have plenty of food.

Spain – Some people celebrate New Year’s Eve with delicious wine. If you’re in Spain, however, you will enjoy the grapes before they are fermented. The tradition is to eat 12 grapes one at a time at midnight. Each grape represents one of your wishes, and if you manage to stuff every one into your mouth, all your dreams will come true! Another custom is to wear colored underwear, each representing a different hope for the new year.

AUSTRALIA

Image source: B. Cumming, ABC

Celebrate the holiday during the peak of the summer. In Australia, they celebrate New Year’s Eve while the sun is shining bright. Fireworks mark the end of the new year, the most elaborate occurring at midnight in Sydney Harbor. The day is meant for relaxation, visiting family and friends, and if you have time, attending one of the many horse racing carnivals, parades, or summer fairs.

AFRICA