A new year is almost here! Even though technically nothing gets altered, a new year still gives us hope as we look forward to changing our lives. We see a scope to change the gears of how we have been so far. After all, we have a good 365/366 days to hit our goals and targets,don't we? However, do you know that not all countries have the same pattern of observing December 31st and January 1st? Some of the celebrations will indeed leave you amused. In that light, let's see 5 unique New Year celebrations worldwide.
5 Unique New Year Celebrations Across The Globe
Usually, the countdown to welcome a new year comprises party plans, vacations, and quick getaways. However, not all light fireworks, throw a party, or/and uncork a bottle of champagne. That's right! Several countries have their own, unique ways to usher in a new year. Let's look at some of them:
1) The Times Square Ball Drop in New York City
A tradition that started way back in 1970, the Times Square Ball Drop involves lowering a humongous crystal ball, all lit up, at New York City's One Times Square to mark the present year's last few seconds. The drop happens exactly at the last minute when the ball gets lowered for those last 60 seconds. The crystal ball has 2,688 crystal triangles and is 12ft in diameter. Over 32,000 LED lights illuminate the visual treat. Before the ball drops, musical performances keep the attendees and those who watch it from their homes engaged.
Don't Miss: 25+ New Year Captions For Instagram To Ring In 2025
2) Throwing Old Plates in Denmark
At midnight on December 31, i.e. New Year's Eve, people in Denmark get together and smash old plates against someone's door. For them, this tradition symbolically stands for letting go of all aggression and ill feelings, paving the way for a fresh start in a new year.The Danes also see this as a way to keep clear of evil spirits. It's said that the number of broken dishes outside one's door is directly proportional to the amount of luck they will have in the new year.
3) Arranging 12-Round Fruits in the Philippines
A Filipino-Chinese tradition, it involves arranging 12 kinds of round fruits such as pomelo, pineapple, apples, grapes, watermelon, pears, oranges, golden melon, guava, kiwi, rambutan, chico, and lemons. The ritual, which has been passed on for generations, is believed to bring wealth and prosperity in the new year since the round shape stands for currency. Apart from fruits, some also offer eggs for a stronger manifestation.
4) Hanging Onion Outside Door in Greece
For Greeks, onion stands for fertility, rebirth, good health, growth, and long life, with the layers representing peeling off the old to get replaced by the new. For this tradition, families in Greece hang the onion on their doors on New Year's Day after attending the church. They also tap onion on their children's heads to wake them up.
5) Eating 12 Grapes in Spain
The twelve grapes of luck or las doce uvas de la suerte in Spanish is a tradition dating back to the early 1900s. In this ritual, people eat a grape on December 31st at midnight with each strike of the twelve clock bell where each grape and each clock bell strike stand for each of the twelve months in the new year. It's believed that if one manages to eat all 12 grapes, they will have the best luck and prosperity. Apparently, the "twelve grapes of luck" game was started by vine growers for a commercial boost, which became a fun tradition with time.
Don't Miss: 10+ Thoughts To Kickstart Your New Year With Positivity And Purpose
If you liked this story, please share it. For more such articles, stay tuned to HerZindagi.
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation