The 10 most unusual New Year traditions

The New Year is a time of universal celebration, but the traditions that accompany this transition vary greatly from country to country. Some are well known, like the fireworks in Sydney or the kiss at midnight, but others are completely unusual and fascinating. Discover the 10 most amazing New Year traditions from around the world.

Bear dance in Romania

In Romania, dancers dressed as bears roam the village streets during the New Year festivities. This dance is said to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity.

Italy‘s backward race

In some parts of Italy, it’s customary to walk or run backwards at the start of the New Year, symbolizing a reluctance to turn one’s back on the past.

Breaking dishes in Denmark

In Denmark, it’s customary to break used crockery on the front door of friends and family to wish them a Happy New Year. The bigger the pile of broken dishes outside your door, the more popular you are!

The 12 grapes ritual in Spain

In Spain, at the stroke of midnight, Spaniards eat 12 grapes, one at each stroke of the bell, making a wish for each grape. This tradition brings good luck for every month of the coming year.

Forecasting molten lead in Germany

In Germany, it’s customary to melt a small piece of lead and pour it into cold water. The resulting shape predicts the person’s future in the New Year.

Cleaning up in December in Japan

In Japan, the period leading up to New Year’s Eve, known as “Osoji,” is the occasion for a major house-cleaning to get rid of evil spirits and start the year with a clean environment.

Ecuador‘s effigy of the year

In Ecuador, it’s traditional to make effigies of political figures or celebrities from the past year, then burn them at midnight to symbolize the end of the year.

To go further