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Not only do countries have a unique way of saying “Happy New Year”, they also have unique ways of celebrating it too! Here are a list of fascinating New Year's traditions from across the world that you might not have heard of…

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Europe

Spain

In Spain, it is common to eat 12 grapes. One at each stroke of the clock at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Each grape represents good luck for one month of the coming year. However, it is considered bad luck if you can’t eat them all by the final midnight chime.

Iceland

Iceland has a host of magical traditions that are said to take place on New Year’s Eve, such as cows talking, seals taking on human form, the dead rising from their graves and elves moving house.

Denmark

To banish evil spirits, Denmark's residents greet the New Year by throwing old plates and glasses against the doors of family and friends.

Greece

An onion traditionally hangs from the front door of a house on New Year's Eve as a symbol of rebirth for the year to come. Parents then wake up their children the next morning by tapping them on the head with the onion.

Switzerland

It is tradition to drop a dollop of cream on the floor on New Year’s Day to bring luck and a rich year.

Ireland

In the hope that the New Year will bring them a husband, some single women put mistletoe under their pillows. Meanwhile, some people bang bread against the wall, as it is believed to drive evil spirits away and welcome good luck.

Romania

Romanian farmers try to communicate with their animals on New Year's Eve. If they succeed, they are believed to be in good luck for the next year.

Asia

Siberia

In Siberia and Russia, it is tradition to dive into a frozen lake while holding a tree trunk that is placed under the ice.

China

Many Chinese people will paint their front door red as a symbol of happiness and good fortune. They can also hide their knives so that no one cuts themselves, as cutting is believed to have an impact on the luck of the whole family in the coming year.

Singapore

Every year, wishing spheres with people's hopes and dreams for the new year are released on the Singapore River. The wishes are written on white spheres, and people come from all over the world to participate.

Philippines

Circles have long been considered sacred in the Philippines. As such, they feature heavily in the New Year, where people wear polka dots, eat round fruits, and throw coins into pans. It is believed that these practices will bring prosperity.

South America

Colombia

In the hope of a year of travel, Colombian residents carry empty suitcases around their block.

Argentina

It is believed that wearing pink underwear will bring love in the New Year. While eating beans, will either help you keep your current job or find a better one.

Puerto Rico

It is tradition to throw pails of water out of your window to chase evil spirits away.

South Africa

The residents of Johannesburg party hard by throwing old appliances out the window. This represents the adage "out with the old and in with the new."

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From all of us here at ILC, we want to wish you a Happy New Year!

So if you want guaranteed success in your business this new year, but don't want to rely on munching down on 12 grapes to make that happen, contact us today, and we will ensure your goals are met!

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