Every country and culture has their unique way of celebrating the New Year, but many of these have only one intention: to bring good luck. Here are 10 fun, (sometimes strange) and unusual traditions observed by some countries to welcome New Year.
Spain - It's tradition in Spain to eat 12 grapes while the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. The aim is to finish eating the grapes before the chiming stops, which can be quite a challenge, according to Food Republic. They do this to hope for a blessed year.
Ecuador - Folks expecting to travel for the year supposedly carry a suitcase around the block of their house at midnight to ensure successful trips, according to Life In Ecuador.
Denmark - Plates are shattered against the doors of friends' houses on New Year's Eve. It's supposed to be a sign of friendship and love. The Danish are in the habit of collecting plates throughout the year, specifically for this year-end tradition. If they find one broken plate too many by their door, it's not something to be mad about - it's actually a great thing, according to 123 New Year.
Turkey - Women wear red underwear to welcome the New Year and it's based on an Eastern European or Gypsy tradition, according to Hurriyet Daily News. Shops sell red lingerie days before the celebration. The Turks believe this practice will bring prosperity.
Greece - The Greeks hang pomegranate at the main entrance of the house, which will then be smashed to the ground at midnight for good luck and abundance. The fruit is also prominently seen on the New Year's table, per It's All Greek.
Ireland - The Irish buy bread - lots of bread - during Christmas and intentionally let some of the loaves go stale in time for New Year's. Then they bang the bread on their neighbors' doors on New Year's Day to rid the house of bad spirits, according to Irish Central.
Philippines - The New Year's table in many homes in the Philippines are filled with all sorts of round fruits to bring in money and wealth. The round shapes represent money. Filipinos also like wearing polka dots for New Year's Day and they stash coins all over the house, according to Tagalog Lang.
Puerto Rico - The children intentionally throw buckets of water outside their windows at midnight to drive evil spirits out. Most people also visit the beach on New Year's Eve, according to Mariana 68.
Scotland - Called the Looney Dook swim, the Scots brave the cold sea water on New Year's Day to participate in this tradition. Some even dress up in costumes or paint their faces blue while carrying the country's flag, per The Telegraph.
Japan - Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times to banish 108 human follies like jealousy and anger. Ordinary citizens visit the temples at this time and the monks let them ring the bell, according to Japan Magazine.
Here's how the rest of the world is celebrating New Year:
