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NEW YEAR’s Eve is a time to say goodbye to the past 365 days and welcome new beginnings. Many of us will welcome 2026 with fireworks, booze, festive food, and parties, whether at home with family or at organized public events with friends and fellow celebrants.
However, the new year is also marked by a number of unusual traditions in various parts of the world.
According to Metro on Wednesday (December 31), some of these customs are quite ancient and are still widely enjoyed in their countries of origin. Some of these include:
Eating 12 Grapes in Spain
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, Spaniards eat 12 green grapes in sequence. This tradition dates back to 1895 and became more common in 1909. The custom stems from the superstitious belief that each grape brings good luck for one month of the year.
Wearing White in Brazil
White clothing is said to symbolize peace and happiness. Therefore, people in or from Brazil often wear them on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, hoping for a good start to January.
Carrying a Suitcase in Colombia
In Colombia, there is a tradition of carrying an empty suitcase on December 31st, which is considered to bring good luck. It is said to bring many travel opportunities in the coming new year.
Hanging an Onion in Greece
There is a unique New Year’s ritual in Greece involving hanging an onion on the door. This ritual is supposed to help forget a bad year.
This ancient custom is said to symbolize rebirth, as the onion peels back and reveals its many layers. Tradition also states that Greek parents should gently hit children on the head with an onion to wake them up on New Year’s Eve.
Icy Water Dip in Scotland
The Hogmanay Street party in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is one of the most festive New Year’s celebrations. They use an unusual way to welcome January 1st.
Locals and visitors alike jump into the frigid North Sea estuary, the Firth of Forth, known as the “Loony Dook.” Crazy costumes aren’t required, but many people get creative with their swimsuits for the occasion.
Breaking Plates in Denmark
It’s a Danish tradition to break unused plates outside the homes of loved ones. If you wake up to find a lot of broken plates outside, it could mean you’re very popular. But if you have Danish neighbors or friends, it could mean you’ll have good luck for 365 days.
Melting Lead in Finland
A traditional New Year’s Eve activity in Finland has a divination aspect. Finns melt a miniature horseshoe of lead in a pan until it’s completely melted, before pouring the resulting liquid metal into a bucket of cold water, which immediately cools and hardens it.
The horseshoe shape is said to represent what will happen in the coming year. Other signs to look for are usually four-leaf clovers or hearts.
Overeating in Estonia
If you enjoy overeating, then you’ll love New Year’s Day in the Baltic nation of Estonia. Upon waking up on January 1st, tradition dictates that you should eat a number of foods considered to bring good luck.
For example, seven different foods for those who are less adventurous, or any number that suits your personal preference, as long as it’s not too high. If those numbers scare you, don’t panic, because we don’t need to eat large portions.
Eating Donuts in Germany
There is a tradition in Germany that requires citizens to eat donuts when celebrating the New Year. The tradition of eating Berliner donuts is called Krapfen in southern Germany.
These sugar-coated donuts were once intended solely as a sweet treat for celebrations, filled with a variety of favorite sweet fillings, such as fruit jams or jellies, delicious, melted chocolate, and vanilla cream. [antaranews/photo special]
