Luck is international.
New Year’s Eve customs
Red underwear and grapes in Spain
On New Year’s Eve in Spain, it is customary to eat a grape with each of the twelve chimes of the bell at midnight. If this is too fast for you, you should wear red underwear. Red underwear is also considered a lucky charm. By the way, this is the same in Italy.
The lucky charm in Scotland brings whisky
In Scotland, if a man stands at your door with raisin bread, whisky and a piece of coal on the evening of 31 December, you should let him in. He brings good luck.
Ringing of the bells in Japan
The bells in Japan ring a whole 108 times at midnight at the change of year in Japan. During this time, adults toast the new year with a glass of champagne.
Paper scraps in Argentina
Scraps of old paper become old burdens in Argentina. People tear old papers into small pieces and throw the scraps out of the window. The burdens of the past year are thus considered gotten rid of.
A coin and a jump in Portugal
People in Portugal hold a coin tightly in their hands at midnight. This is meant to ensure financial luck in the new year. This is also popular: jump off of a chair wearing new clothing at 00.00. Your spirited start into the next year is thus assured.
“Surwatschke” in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, people slap each other on the back on New Year’s Eve. This rough custom is supposed to bring health and wealth. For this, children decorate a branch from a Cornelian cherry tree and go from house to house to give slaps that bring luck. In return, they receive small presents.
Beach party in Brazil
In Brazil, summer temperatures prevail at the turn of the year. Therefore, people love celebrating at the Copacabana, preferably all in white. On New Year’s Eve, people jump over the waves. For each wave jumped over, the person may wish for something for the new year.
“Dinner for One” in Austria
The “Pummerin”, the biggest bell of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, only chimes at special occasions. At the turn of the year, it chimes exactly twelve times at midnight to ring in the new year. Meanwhile, the classic short film “Dinner for One” is shown on TV. Then, at midnight, it is time for the waltz – to the rhythms of the Danube Waltz.
Burning dolls in Ecuador
In Ecuador, the turn of the year is used to get rid of the bad things from the past. People craft dolls from old paper and clothing and burn the “monigotes” in the street at midnight.
Chicken in Africa
It must be a special day when chicken is served in Africa. In poor regions, this delicacy is considered a luxury that people treat themselves to on New Year’s Eve.
Lucky apple in the Czech Republic
What lead casting is in Austria, is the tradition of reading one’s future from an apple in the Czech Republic. To do this, the fruit is cut open horizontally. If the core of the apple looks like a star, it means good luck and health. A cross is supposed to predict bad luck.
12-minute fireworks in Australia
One minute of fireworks for each month – that’s the formula in Australia. The world’s longest firework display is set off at the Sydney Harbour Opera House.
New Year’s Eve February in China
In China, the new year only begins in February. Then the windows are opened shortly before midnight to let the new year in. In some places, singles throw tangerines into the sea to find their big love in the new year.
