New Year’s Eve Traditions Around the World

Along with Christmas, New Year’s Eve is another time full of tradition and celebrations. Personally I’ve never had any particular NYE habits (other than bubbly and fireworks or being sound asleep at midnight) so it’s a lot of fun to learn about how others ring in the new year. 

Here are some of my favourite New Year’s Eve traditions around the world. 

Eating 12 grapes at Midnight – Spain

In Spain, and some Latin American countries, the new year is rung in by participating in las doce uvas de la suerte or the twelve grapes of luck. The goal is to eat 12 grapes for every clock strike at midnight and you must finish them all before the last chime. If you succeed, you’re in for a year of good luck.

It is said that this began in the 1880s in the upper classes of Madrid as a way to mimic the French tradition of grapes and champagne at midnight. 

Plate Smashing – Denmark

The Danish have a really unique tradition of smashing unused crockery on their neighbours doorsteps. It’s not as antisocial as it sounds and is actually done with nothing but affection. It is a way of showing appreciation, wishing good luck and warding off evil spirits. 

Some people even decorate their plates and write messages before the smash begins. 

Hogmanay – Scotland 

Edinburgh is continually noted as one of the best places to celebrate NYE in the world and Hogmanay (and its many traditions) is a huge deal. 

One of the most common traditions is first footing. This means the first person to step foot in the house after midnight. This person is expected to bring gifts such as whiskey and shortbread. Traditionally it is said that a dark haired man would bring good luck whereas the fair haired, red heads and women were seen as bad luck. This is a superstition left over from the age of the Vikings. 

Check out this link for a more in depth look at Hogmanay.  

Lucky Underwear – Brazil 

Brazillians often wear white on NYE to welcome spiritual protection and peace for the upcoming year. But to get more specific about what they wish for, coloured underwear is a must. Each colour matches up to what they want to achieve:

White = peace and harmony

Yellow/gold  = money and prosperity

Pink = love and romance

Red = passion

Blue = serenity and friendship

Orange = creativity

Green = health and hope

Purple = spiritual connection

Silver = innovation

Black = independence 

Hang an Onion at Home – Greece

Since the times of Ancient Greece, Greeks have hung onions up at home on New Year’s Day to encourage growth and improvement for the following year. 

Onions were chosen as they are seen as the ultimate symbol of fertility, longevity and good luck. Remember it only counts if you hang your onion after the New Year’s Day church service. 

12 Round Fruits – Philippines

Filipinos traditionally have a midnight feast or medianoche to see in the New Year. Specific foods are on offer and in particular a platter of 12 round fruits. This is to represent the 12 months of the year and the shape of coins and money. Similar to the Spanish eating 12 grapes, this will bring good luck and good fortune into the next year. 

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I’d love to know where you’re from and how you celebrate NYE. Let me know!

Click here if you’re also interested in Christmas traditions from around the world.