Unique New Year Traditions from Around the World

By Afiur
December 26, 2025

12 Grapes Exact At Midnight – Spain

Tradition began with vine growers in the Alicante area using the practice to enhance sales.

First Footing – Scotland

People believe a dark-haired male should cross their gates first after the New Year for good luck.

Planting Underwater Trees – Russia

Russians venture into a frozen Lake Baikal and plant a Christmas tree 100 ft below.

White Flowers In Ocean – Brazil

These act as offerings to Yemoja, a major water deity who controls the seas.

Wearing Red Underwear – Italy

In Italian culture, the colour red is associated with fertility and is worn to conceive a child.

Hanging Onions – Greece

Greeks identify onions as a symbol of rebirth and associate growth in a New Year with them.

Chilling In Cemeteries. – Chile

Masses sit around cemeteries to include families of the deceased in their festivities.

Soba Noodles – Japan

The Japanese slurp these noodles in a ritual known as toshikoshi soba for a long, healthy life.

Smashing Plates – Denmark

These broken plates denote the intention to leave all the anger and ill will behind.

Burning Scarecrows – Ecuador

These burnings are hosted to eliminate all the bad of the past 12 months and cleanse the world.

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