New Year’s Eve Traditions Around the World
"Every moment is a fresh beginning." – T.S. Eliot
New Year’s Eve is a time of reflection, renewal, and hope—a moment shared by people all over the world in ways that honor their unique cultures and traditions. Across the globe, communities welcome the turning of the year with rituals that reflect their values, history, and connection to the rhythms of life. These meaningful celebrations remind us of our shared humanity and the many beautiful ways we greet new beginnings. Here are some traditions that inspire connection and gratitude for the possibilities ahead.
Spain – Eating Grapes for Good Luck
In Spain, it’s traditional to eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock. Each grape represents a wish or blessing for each month of the year.
Japan – Ringing Bells for Purification
In Japan, temples ring their bells 108 times at midnight to cleanse the soul of past year’s sins and invite good fortune. This tradition, called Joya no Kane, aligns with the Buddhist belief in purification.
Denmark – Smashing Plates
In Denmark, people throw old plates at the doors of friends and neighbors. The more broken plates you find outside your home, the more luck you’re believed to have in the coming year.
Brazil – Jumping Over Waves
In Brazil, beachgoers jump over seven waves at midnight while making wishes for the new year. This tradition is linked to honoring Yemanja, the sea goddess in Afro-Brazilian culture.
Scotland – First-Footing
In Scotland, the first person to cross the threshold after midnight (called the first-footer) is believed to bring luck for the year ahead. Traditionally, they bring gifts like coal or whiskey.
Philippines – Circles for Prosperity
In the Philippines, people believe circles symbolize wealth and prosperity. It’s common to see families wearing polka dots and serving round fruits during their celebrations.Make it stand out
Greece – Hanging Onions
In Greece, onions are hung on doors as a symbol of rebirth and growth. On New Year’s Day, parents wake their children by gently tapping them with an onion!Make it stand out
Germany – Pouring Lead
In Germany, a tradition called Bleigießen involves pouring molten lead into cold water to interpret the shapes it forms, revealing fortunes for the coming year.Make it stand out
Ecuador – Burning Effigies
In Ecuador, people burn effigies called año viejos (old year) to symbolize letting go of the past. These effigies are often stuffed with notes about regrets or misfortunes from the year.
South Africa – Tossing Out Old Furniture
In some parts of South Africa, people toss old furniture out of their windows to symbolize starting fresh in the new year.Make it stand out
Colombia – Carrying Empty Suitcases
In Colombia, it’s customary to walk around the block with an empty suitcase to invite travel and adventure in the coming year.
Italy – Red Underwear for Luck
Italians believe that wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve brings love, luck, and prosperity in the year ahead.
Peru – Boxing Matches for Closure
In the Peruvian village of Santo Tomás, people participate in friendly boxing matches to resolve conflicts from the past year, entering the new year with a clean slate.
Make it stand out
China – Cleaning and Decorating
Before the Lunar New Year, families in China deep-clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and decorate with red lanterns and symbols for prosperity.Make it stand out
United States – The Times Square Ball Drop
In the U.S., many celebrate by watching the iconic ball drop in New York City’s Times Square, a tradition that has been lighting up New Year’s Eve since 1907.Make it stand out
Feel free to explore these activities in a way that suits your family’s rhythm—adapt them, mix them up, or create something entirely new! The beauty lies in making them your own. If you try something different, we’d love to hear your story and share in the journey!
Parent Reflection
New Year’s Eve is a time of reflection, renewal, and hope—a moment shared by people all over the world in ways that honor their unique cultures and traditions. Across the globe, communities welcome the turning of the year with rituals that reflect their values, history, and connection to the rhythms of life. These meaningful celebrations remind us of our shared humanity and the many beautiful ways we greet new beginnings. Here are some traditions that inspire connection and gratitude for the possibilities ahead.
