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New Year’s Eve Traditions from Around the World

Dec 20th 2018

With the Christmas season coming to an end, New Year’s Eve is right around the corner. Millions of people across the world celebrate ringing in the new year. This can be a fun time to see how other cultures celebrate New Year’s Day. No matter the differences, the one common tradition we all share is enjoying the night with our family and friends! Let’s see how other countries celebrate.


108 Obstacles in Japan

In Japan, you will see people ringing a bell 108 times symbolizing the problems that occurred in the previous year. They will ring it 107 times on December 31st, and once after midnight. Since the bell represents problems that occurred in the previous year, the Japanese feel they can begin the New Year free of any problems they may had. It’s a tradition that has been going on for centuries, and continues to grow strong. 


Break the Dishes in Denmark

If you happen to travel to Denmark on New Year’s Eve, you can easily find people smashing dishware against people’s front doors. The residents in Denmark believe this is a sign of good luck, and they take pride in this every year. Throughout the year, people will gather broken dishes just for the big night (New Year’s Eve). It may seem like a crazy tradition to you, but this has been going on for decades in Denmark!


12 Grapes in Spain

What do grapes have to do with New Year’s Eve? In Spain, the bell rings twelve times at midnight, so the Spanish eat one grape every time the bell rings. This tradition was started as a way to bless each month in the upcoming year. The people in Spain feel that they are starting each month fresh and with good things to come. Quickly eating a grape every time the bell rings can be messy, but it involves a lot of laughter and fun with friends and family!


Jumping the 7 Waves in Brazil

In Brazil on New Year’s Eve, you will find thousands on the coast jumping waves at midnight. They jump seven waves at midnight as seven is considered to be a lucky number. It is also rumored that people who wear white while doing this will bring more peace in the upcoming year. If you can, this is a trip well worth it on New Year’s Eve. But, if you want to start this tradition at your house, just find a body of water and jump seven times! 


Live from Times Square in NYC

In the United States, millions of people tune in at midnight to watch the ball drop in Times Square in New York City. This iconic location has drawn tourists from all over to come take part in the New Year’s Eve festivities. Billions of people tune in across the world to watch the ball drop live, and it has become a tradition many people take part in. 


Countries all over the world celebrate New Year’s Eve, but each one has their own tradition. Learning and taking part in these different celebrations show you how diverse the world is. Despite the differences around the world, we all look forward to this night and the chance for a new beginning.

New Year’s Eve Traditions from Around the World

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