Even though it’s wise to go by the motto Good work brings Good Fortune, people from all over the world manifest their good luck via their own set of beliefs. The start of a new year is when people worldwide look towards the future with hope and optimism. In various cultures, people have developed unique traditions and practices for good luck to increase their chances of good fortune in the coming year. From eating 12 grapes in Spain to burning effigies in Ecuador, these customs are as diverse as the cultures that practise them and reflect the shared human desire to leave the past behind and welcome a new beginning. In this blog, we will explore ten such traditions that people around the world do for good luck in the New Year. So, whether you believe the luck factor or not, join us in discovering these fascinating unique traditions across the globe.
EAT GRAPES AS THE SPANISH DO
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In Spain, it is an ancient tradition to consume 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s eve, one grape for each stroke of the clock. Every grape represents good luck for one month of the coming year.
RECEIVE GIFTS FROM TALL, DARK AND…. SCOTTISH MEN!
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Ring in the Hogmanay viz. The Scottish New Year with the first shooting tradition.
In Scotland, it is believed that the ‘first footer’ (first visitor) who crosses the threshold in the new year brings good luck along. The first visitor who is preferably tall, dark – and handsome, arrives to give his New Year greetings and typically brings gifts such as whisky, shortbread and silver coins.
THE DANISH PLATE MANIA
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In Denmark, it is customary to smash plates against the doors of family and friends on New Year’s Eve to wish them good fortune. The more broken plates at your doorstep are equivalent to the number of well-wishers you have.
IN JAPAN, CLEAN IT AS YOU MEAN IT!
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The Japanese people have this mandatory custom of Oosouji – cleaning their own houses thoroughly before the New Year. They believe that cleaning your own space removes all of the existing negativity and prepares you for a fresh start.
BEGIN YOUR NEW YEAR IN CHINA WITH A SPARK!
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Fireworks have a special traditional sentiment amongst the people of China. The Chinese celebrate New Year’s Eve by watching a spectacular display of fireworks. It is also believed that the loud noises coming from the fireworks help to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
THE KEY TO BRINGING GOOD FORTUNE IS TO KEEP YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS OPEN… AT LEAST IN MEXICO
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The Mexican people open all the doors and windows at midnight to let out the old year and make way for the new one.
WASH AWAY YOUR NEGATIVITY IN PUERTO RICO
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In Puerto Rico, it is a long-followed custom of throwing a bucket of water out of the window at midnight. By doing this, you wash away any negativity that you had in the previous year and welcome the new year with a positive mindset.
IT’S THE BLACK EYED PEAS FROM AMERICA.. BUT YOU HAVE TO EAT IT!
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In the southern part of the United States, it is a tradition to eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s day, as they bring good luck and prosperity in the year to come.
THE SONG OF THE BELLS IN IRELAND
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On New Year’s Eve, the Irish people gather at midnight and ring bells to ward off evil spirits and pray for good luck in the coming year. Church bells, handbells and even doorbells are rung across the country and it’s a much anticipated New Year celebration in Ireland.
THE ECUADOR ‘SCARECROW BLAZE’
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The people of Ecuador swear by this tradition of burning scarecrows on New Year’s Eve. This practice symbolises the end of the past year and commencing of the new one. These scarecrows are typically made out of old clothes, stocked with hay or paper and are ignited at midnight along with fireworks and festivity.
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