On New Year’s Eve, the Danish people smash all unused old dishes in front of their neighbors’ houses.
Business Insider lists the traditional New Year’s customs of various countries around the world. In China, people often repaint their doors red in hopes of bringing good luck in the new year.
In Myanmar, people celebrate the New Year with the Thingyan Water Festival, which takes place in mid-April. During this festival, streets all over Myanmar are soaked with water as people splash water on each other, wishing to wash away the misfortunes and sins of the past year and welcome the good luck of the new year.
In Siberia, there is a tradition of planting trees under lakes and glaciers on New Year’s Eve. The bravest divers will dive deep beneath the glaciers to plant trees. This act symbolizes new beginnings.
The most popular event in Scotland during the New Year is the Hogmanay Fire Festival, which takes place over three days from December 30 to January 1 each year. On the night of the event, people carry large torches and join the parade through the streets. The locals believe that fire wards off evil spirits and brings good fortune and happiness in the new year.
In Spain, at midnight on New Year’s Eve, people eat 12 grapes to ward off bad luck for the new year. Each bell strike corresponds to one grape, symbolizing each month of the year. It is particularly important to finish all 12 grapes by the last bell, or one risks having a year of misfortune.
Danish people believe that broken glass and dishes during the new year will bring good luck and wealth to the household. Therefore, during the new year, they take unused dishes and glassware and smash them in front of their neighbors’ houses. This act symbolizes blessing friends. The more broken dishes in front of a house, the more loved the family is, indicating a lucky new year ahead.
On New Year’s Eve, Italians often wear red underwear in hopes of attracting good luck and happiness in love.
In the USA and Canada, during New Year’s Eve, people share kisses with everyone as a way to welcome the new year and bring good fortune.
In Argentina, people often wear pink underwear for New Year. Those who wear pink during this time are usually seeking love, hoping that this action will bring them luck in finding their soulmate.
In Brazil, people throw white flowers into the sea as a gift to the goddess of the sea on New Year’s Eve. The locals believe that by doing this, the goddess will grant them happiness and prosperity for the entire new year.
