The diversity of cultural traditions has given rise to many superstitions and signs, which are especially pronounced on New Year's Eve. While some are beating their plates in the hope of warding off evil spirits, others are hanging onions, wishing to attract good luck and luck in the new year. From the most unique, crazy and creative customs, we have selected some interesting New Year traditions followed by residents of different countries of the world.
1. Scotland: "first leg"
In Scotland, the last day of the outgoing year is so important that it was given the official name - Hogmanay. Hogmanai celebrates many traditions, the most famous of which is firstfoot. According to her, the first person to cross the threshold of your house at the beginning of the new year should be a dark-haired man. It is believed that he will bring wealth and success to the house.
The belief appeared in the days when Scotland was invaded by the Vikings. Then the appearance on the threshold of the house of a large blond man with a weapon in his hands did not bode well. In contrast to this phenomenon, dark-haired men began to be seen as goodies, bringing peace and tranquility with them.
2. Spain: grapes for good luck
Twelve New Year's grapes Photo: Laia from Reus, Catalonia / Wikimedia Commons
The indigenous people of Spain eat 12 grapes exactly at midnight, following the custom of the 19th century. Back in the 1800s, Alicante growers invented this tradition, wanting to sell as many grapes as possible by the end of the year. However, the sweet event was to the taste of the locals and today the Spaniards eat grapes in the hope that it will bring them good luck and prosperity for the whole year.
3. Brazil: oceans of white flowers
If you happen to find yourself in Brazil on New Year's Eve, don't be surprised to find many white flowers and candles in the waters of local rivers or the ocean. At this time, the inhabitants of the South American country make an offering to Yemanja, the main water deity who controls the water element and symbolizes fertility.
4. Netherlands: eating oliebollen donuts
Oliebollen donuts Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
The history of the Dutch New Year tradition may seem a little strange, to say the least. Ancient Germanic tribes ate chunks of well-done dough during the Yule festival so that the evil goddess Perchta could not cut open their bellies and fill them with garbage as punishment for not participating in the Christmas party. It was believed that thanks to the fatty food, the sword would slide off the skin and Perkhta would not be able to pierce it.
Today, the Dutch eat oliebollen donuts on New Year's Eve, and almost every local grocery store is ready to offer this treat to everyone.
5. Chile: meet at the cemetery
In the small Chilean province of Talca, a very peculiar tradition has developed. After the solemn church mass, the locals go to the cemetery, where they see off the passing year and meet the new one. It is believed that in this way deceased family members become part of the New Year's celebrations.
6. Greece: breaking grenades
Pomegranates Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari / Wikimedia Commons
In ancient Greek mythology, pomegranate symbolizes fertility, abundance and hope for immortality. In modern Greece, these edible fruits are associated with good luck.
On New Year's Eve, the Greeks smash a pomegranate on the door of their house. They say that the more pomegranate seeds scatter from the impact, the more successful the coming year will be.
7. Ecuador: burning scarecrows
In Ecuador, New Years are literally lit with bonfires. At the center of each of these bonfires are scarecrows that most often depict politicians, pop culture representatives and other figures of the outgoing year.
By setting them on fire, the locals seem to cleanse the world of all the bad things that happened in these 12 months, and make room for something good that should come with the coming of the new year.
8. Ireland: mistletoe under the pillow
Mistletoe branch Photo: Silar / Wikimedia Commons
In Ireland, there is a New Year's tradition that single girls adhere to. On New Year's Eve, they place a branch of mistletoe under the pillow. It is assumed that a twig of this plant will help to see your betrothed in a dream.
9. Germany: divination by lead
In Germany, New Year's holidays are spent on a very interesting activity - Bleigießen or fortune-telling with lead. Using a candle flame, the locals melt a small piece of lead or tin and then pour it into a container of cold water. It is believed that the resulting form reveals the fate of a person for the coming year.
10. Japan: bells ringing
Temple of the Phoenix at Bedo-in Monastery Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
One hundred and eight strokes. That is how many times the bells are struck in Japan's Buddhist temples on New Year's Eve. This tradition is known as joyanokane. It is believed that the ringing of bells is able to dispel 108 carnal desires of a person and cleanse him of past sins.
