10 of the strangest New Year’s traditions around the world

Spanish people attempt to stuff 12 grapes into their mouth at midnight, in pursuit of a lucky New Year.

January 1, 2020

Highveld 1 minute read

In what unusual way do you celebrate the New Year?

When it comes to celebrating the New Year, it seems everyone has their own peculiar way of doing things. Some people throw bread, others burn scarecrows, and still others fight with their fists for good luck.

These are the 10 strangest New Year’s traditions from around the world:

In Denmark, all unused dishes and plates are saved for 31 December, when residents they shatter them against the doors of their friends and family.
Around the Equator, the New Year is celebrated by burning paper filled scarecrows at midnight. They also burn photographs from the last year, all in the name of good fortune.
In Spain, if you can manage to stuff 12 grapes in your mouth at midnight, you will have achieved good luck for the next year.
In the Philippines, it is all about the cash. They believe everything should be round to represent coins and bring wealth. Whether food or what they wear, the rounder the better!
In some South American countries, it is believed wearing colourful underwear will determine your fate for the new year. Red underwear means you will find love, gold signifies wealth and white is the colour of peace.
In Switzerland, the New Year is celebrated by dropping ice cream on the floor.
In Romania, they throw spare coins into the river for good luck.
In Belgium, livestock are taken quite seriously. Farmers often wish their cows a happy New Year.
The French like to keep things simple and delicious. Every New Year, they consume a stack of pancakes.
In Columbia, people carry a suitcase around with them all day, in the hope of having a year filled with travel.