New Year’s Eve: Customs and Traditions for Happy New Year from Around the World

In every corner of the planet, time and change is magical moment, full of expectations for new beginnings and promises of happiness and love in which each participates. On New Year’s Eve and time change it is accompanied by a rich mosaic of traditions and superstitions, carried from generation to generation, with the aim of bringing more good luck to the new year. CORVERSE All peoples on all continents of the planet have their own customs for New Year’s Eve. Some of these are the following: Italy In Naples as in other southern cities of the country many locals get used to either throwing old furniture out of windows leaving behind what upset them last year or cleaning their house very well. Also at the festive table, lentils have their price. Ecuador In Ecuador, at midnight of New Year’s, locals set fire to scarecrows full of paper or burn old photos to get rid of the bad memories and negative energy of last year. ADVERSE Denmark On New Year’s Eve Danes throw dishes at the front doors of family and friends for good luck. Hungary The main element at the Hungarian holiday table is roast pork. They avoid poultry because they believe that animals scratching their backs “remove” good luck. Fish, too. Malta Locals leave open doors and windows at midnight New Year’s to leave old time and welcome the new year. Poland especially in Krakow and Gdansk celebrate New Year’s with a winter bath. The dip in frozen waters also known as “Morsowanie”, is believed to enhance the immune system and revitalize the spirit. Colombia Residents of the country take a short walk holding an empty suitcase to have a year full of adventures and trips, as Country Living reports. Ireland Those who seek the ideal companion on the magical New Year’s night, put a twig of mistletoe under the pillow. The first sunrise of the sun has a special name: “Hatsuhinode”. It is believed that the first light of the new year brings luck, blessing and prosperity to anyone who faces it. South America According to an old tradition, the selection of underwear on New Year’s Eve is thought to affect the luck of the new year. Each color brings with it a different promise: Red represents intense love life, yellow wealth, pink love, green good fortune and white calm. Philippines Filipinos to have wealth and abundance wear clothes with poise patterns as the round design reminds of currency. They also eat round fruits and dishes. Switzerland At midnight, they tend to throw an ice cream ball on the ground. Spain In the first seconds of the new year, for good luck they eat 12 grapes, one for each month. Germany-Sweden The herring at the German and Swedish table is considered a symbol of good luck while on the contrary lobster is prohibitive because it moves slowly and on the contrary.