FX.co ★ World’s most unusual New Year traditions

Italy

It is widely believed that Italians have the custom to throw away their old things, including the furniture, out of the window before the New Year. In fact, the tradition of wearing something red for holiday is more common. Women, men, and children will all wear something red on New Year’s Eve, either sock or undergarments.

Argentina

In Argentina, office workers have a custom to throw shred paper out of their office windows on their last working day. Later in the evening, people gather around the festive table and open champagne at midnight. However, the Argentinians exchange gifts only for Christmas.

Estonia

In Estonia, it is customary to farewell the ending of the year and to celebrate the New Year in a sauna. However, in recent years, Estonians are moving away from this tradition. Today, this custom serves more as entertainment for tourists.

Scotland

On New Year’s Eve, watch out for barrels with flaming tar and balls of fire that fill the streets of Scotland's cities. These street celebrations are very popular in Scotland.

Spain

Eating twelve grapes at midnight is a good Spanish tradition. You have to eat them one by one as the clock strikes. This tradition was established one hundred years ago in the times of abundant grape harvest.

Panama

Panama’s New Year’s rituals include the burning of mannequins called muñeco - dummies of celebrities, politicians, athletes, etc. Each family believes that by burning the muñeco they will get rid of all the negative energy and troubles.

Denmark

The Danes “leap” into the New Year by jumping from a chair as far as possible. It is believed that this ritual drives off evil spirits and brings good luck.

According to another tradition, you should break the dishes on the doorstep of your family members, friends, or neighbours to bring them happiness and success in the coming year.

Peru

Inexperienced tourists may find some Peruvian traditions rather strange. At night, girls carrying twigs and guys with empty suitcases are running through the city. It is believed that girls will attract love, and guys will have good luck travelling in the coming year.

Greece

On New Year’s Eve, the Greeks visit each other carrying a large stone with them as a gift which symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

According to another tradition, a senior family member should break a pomegranate fruit in front of his home so that the seeds are scattered throughout the yard. It is believed that they will bring happiness and joy to his family.

Japan

The Japanese prefer to sleep on New Year’s Eve and celebrate it on January 1. However, at midnight on December 31, Buddhist temples all over Japan ring their bells 108 times.

Instead of a Christmas tree, a kadomatsu is used. It is a traditional Japanese decoration made of pine, bamboo, rice straws, and mandarin branches.

Micronesia

In Oceania, people have a tradition to change their names before the New Year and keep it for the rest of the year. The Micronesians believe that in this way they will ward off evil spirits that won’t be able to find them without knowing their real names.

Bulgaria

After the clock strikes midnight, people in Bulgaria turn off the light and remain in the complete darkness for two minutes. At this time, guests can do whatever they want, especially something they would never dare to do in the light of the day.

Switzerland

An unusual tradition has been preserved in the rural regions of Switzerland: men dressed up as Christmas trees walk through the streets and congratulate bypassers. They can even randomly visit a house which is considered a stroke of luck.

Myanmar

To celebrate the New Year, people in Myanmar douse each other with water since it is very hot in the country this time of the year. The Water festival turns into a fun celebration.

China

On New Year’s Eve, an impressive performance takes place in China - the Fire Dragon Dance. The festival is done with costumes, bright fireworks, and loud music. This is one of the most beautiful New Year’s traditions in the world.