New Year’s celebrations are marked by a variety of customs and rituals, reflecting the diversity of cultures worldwide. From symbolic foods to peculiar practices, the transition to a new year is a time of hope, reflection, and renewal.
Denmark: Smashing plates
One of the most distinctive Danish New Year traditions involves smashing plates. Danes throw old or unused plates against the doors of friends and family members. This act symbolises friendship and goodwill, with larger piles of broken plates signifying strong social bonds. Additionally, Danes leap off chairs at midnight, a gesture believed to bring good luck and ward off bad spirits in the coming year.
India: Burning old man effigies
In parts of India, an intriguing New Year tradition involves burning effigies of “old man” figures. These effigies symbolise the passing year, along with its hardships and negativity. The ritual signifies a fresh start, with communities coming together to light the effigies, accompanied by celebrations, music, and dance. This act reflects the hope for renewal and the discarding of the burdens of the past as people prepare for the year ahead.
Spain: Eating twelve grapes at midnight
In Spain, the New Year’s tradition of “las doce uvas de la suerte” (the twelve grapes of luck) involves eating one grape for each chime of the clock at midnight. Each grape represents a month of the year, and eating all twelve within the allotted time is thought to bring good fortune. This practice dates back to the late 19th century and is observed with fervour across the country.
Vietnam: Tết celebrations
Vietnam’s New Year, known as Tết Nguyên Đán or simply Tết, aligns with the Lunar New Year and is the most important celebration in the country. Families clean their homes to rid themselves of bad luck and honour their ancestors by offering food and prayers. The exchange of red envelopes containing money, known as “li xi,” symbolises blessings and prosperity. Traditional foods such as bánh chưng, a square-shaped sticky rice cake, are prepared and shared.
Philippines: Displaying round shapes
In the Philippines, New Year’s celebrations are infused with symbolism. Filipinos believe that round shapes signify prosperity, as they resemble coins. Consequently, families display round fruits and wear polka-dotted clothing. At midnight, many households create noise using firecrackers, car horns, or pots and pans to drive away evil spirits and usher in good luck.
Brazil: White attire and beach get-togethers
In Brazil, New Year’s Eve, or “Réveillon,” is celebrated with vibrant beach gatherings. Many Brazilians wear white clothing, symbolising peace and renewal. On the shores, offerings of flowers and candles are made to Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea in Afro-Brazilian religions. Jumping over seven waves and making a wish with each leap is another common ritual, reflecting hope and aspirations for the year ahead.
South Africa: Tossing old furniture
In certain neighbourhoods of South Africa, a bold and unusual tradition involves tossing old furniture out of windows. This act symbolises a fresh start, shedding the burdens of the past year. While this practice has become less common due to safety concerns, it remains a unique expression of renewal and optimism in specific communities.
