By Harshit
December 26, 2025
The custom originated with Alicante vineyard growers to boost their wine sales.
It is believed that having a dark-haired man enter first after the New Year brings good luck.
In Russia, adventurers dive into the icy Lake Baikal to place a Christmas tree 100 feet underwater.
These serve as offerings to Yemoja, a prominent water deity revered as the guardian of the seas.
In Italian tradition, wearing red symbolizes fertility and is believed to help couples conceive.
In Greek tradition, onions symbolize rebirth and are linked to growth and renewal for the New Year.
In some cultures, people gather around cemeteries to honor and include deceased family members in New Year celebrations.
In Japan, people eat toshikoshi soba noodles during New Year’s rituals, symbolizing longevity and good health.
Smashing plates symbolizes leaving behind anger and negativity as the New Year begins.
These ceremonial burnings are performed to purge the past year's negativity and start anew.