New Year’s Traditions – How the World Celebrates the New Year

From tiny pigs made of marzipan as a token of luck to swimming in the new year. Different countries have different traditions to start off the new year.

Germany

In Germany, traditions are mainly practiced that are meant to predict the future and bring good luck for the new year. It is customary to light fireworks and candles at midnight. In the past, these were used to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune. Today, the joy of the unusual, colorful spectacle in the sky takes center stage. Another typical custom is lead pouring (Bleigießen). In this tradition, small pieces of lead are heated over a flame and, once melted, poured into a bowl of water. The shapes that form are associated with different figures, whose meanings are believed to predict the future. As good-luck charms for the new year, small pigs, chimney sweeps, or four-leaf clovers—often made of marzipan—are commonly given as gifts.

Spain

The customs in Spain are also meant to bring luck in the new year. A popular tradition is eating grapes at midnight. One grape is eaten each time the bell tolls - don't lose count, as this is bad luck. In all, the bell tolls 12 times. The supermarkets and street vendors therefore sell little plastic bags of 12 grapes.

Czech Republic

Pouring lead is also a tradition for looking into the future in the Czech Republic. The custom of cutting an apple in half and reading one's fate from the shape of the core is even older. If the seeds form a cross, bad things are coming; stars represent luck. A dish with lentils is often served at midnight - this will lead to financial success. Since lentils have a similar shape as coins, they are believed to bring good fortune.

USA

In parts of the southern United States, it is still common to eat so-called “lucky foods” around New Year’s, such as lentils or lentil soup, which are believed to symbolize prosperity. More traditionally, dishes like black-eyed peas and leafy greens are especially popular. Another superstition is the idea that “nothing should go out” of the house on New Year’s Eve, not even the trash, as it is believed this could bring bad luck in the coming year. While this belief is still known, today it is mostly followed symbolically or remembered as a traditional saying rather than a strict rule.

China

People in China usually spend a quiet New Year's Eve having dinner with friends and family. No fireworks today. The big celebrations come for Chinese New Year, which follows the traditional lunar calendar. China practically comes to a standstill for at least a week then - with lots of dancing and celebrating.

Brazil

In Brazil, it is customary to wear white clothes on New Year's Eve. Underwear, however, should be colorful and, ideally, new. The colors are very important: Yellow represents wealth, white is for peace, pink for love and red for passion. Another part of this tradition is to meet at midnight at the beach and to jump over seven waves in one's white clothes. With each wave, a wish is made for the coming year. It is also customary to throw flowers in the ocean for the ocean goddess. Another tradition calls for eating one grape at every tolling of the bell at midnight and making a wish with each grape. It is believed to be good for one's love life to wrap seven grape seeds in paper and to keep these. If someone gives you a laurel leaf, be sure to keep it in your wallet in the new year and you will be blessed with money.

Vietnam

In Vietnam, New Year’s, known as Tết Nguyên Đán, is celebrated similarly to the Chinese New Year. Traditional customs involving luck, predictions, and rituals still play an important role. In the past, it was believed that a god would ride a carp into the sky to report on the behavior of the household, and many Vietnamese would buy a live carp to release into a body of water for this purpose. Today, this custom is only known in certain regions, while most people celebrate New Year’s with family, festive meals, fireworks, and other good-luck traditions.

Canada

You really need to be tough to celebrate New Year's Eve in Canada. Here it is tradition to jump headfirst into cold water. The Polar Bear Plunge is thought to make you strong and bring good health in the new year.

Sweden

In Sweden, New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with family or friends. A traditional custom is watching the “Kalle Anka” program (Donald Duck), which has been part of Christmas and New Year celebrations for decades. In addition, in many regions a festive meal with many delicious dishes is served at midnight. The custom of receiving a kiss at midnight is said to bring luck and love for the new year.

Poland

In Poland, New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with a large festive meal. A special tradition is the “careful opening of the doors” at midnight. In this ritual, the doors are symbolically opened to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one. In addition, people in Poland often dance, sing, and exchange good wishes with friends. Another ritual is eating 12 grapes at midnight, wishing good luck for each month of the new year.

Peru

In Peru, the New Year is celebrated with many colorful and joyful festivities. A popular custom is wearing yellow underwear, as this color is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Many Peruvians also go out into the streets at midnight carrying an empty suitcase to symbolize travel or new adventures in the year ahead. Fireworks are also an important part of the celebrations.

Colombia

In Colombia, New Year’s Eve is celebrated in a very lively and joyful way, usually with family or friends. Fireworks, music, and dancing are part of the celebration almost everywhere. A special tradition is the burning of so-called “Año Viejo” dolls, which symbolize the old year and stand for a new beginning. Many people wear yellow clothing or underwear to attract good luck and success in the new year. In addition, 12 grapes are often eaten at midnight, with one wish made for each month.