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New Year Traditions from Around the World

Vinita Tahalramani

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From funny to weird, from fascinating to interesting ones, here is a compilation of New Year's Eve traditions around the world.
Ball Drop - New York
It is one of the most talked about event.
On December 31 at Times Square, the ball drop symbolizes welcoming the New Year.
Where New York's Ball drop symbolizes the status, Swiss Homes don't stay behind in dropping ... read ahead what they drop for New Year's.
They drop the whipped cream dollops or ice cream on the floor to say that richness is coming!
It is like heartbreak to the ice cream lovers like me. 💔
Switzerland
Throws and Bangs from Danes, Irish and South Africans.
The residents throw old plates on the doors of friends to ward off the evil spirits. Also, the more plates you have outside your door, the many friends you have.
Denmark
Irish bang the breads against the wall to chase bad luck.
Ireland
Unusual it is and risky too - Some South Africans throw away old furniture and appliances from the window of the building.
South Africa

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Festive Eat and Repeat
People here eat Soba Noodles. This buckwheat savory symbolizes longevity, and as they break easily it symbolizes a clean break from the past regrets.
Japan
Eat 12 grapes with 12 strokes of the clock and these need to be finished before it stops. It brings good luck for 12 months! Let me try it this year, eventually will get it some day!
Spain
You need to eat 12 round fruits for abundance in the year ahead. I am sure, now you might be recollecting the names of 12 round fruits if you are not from Philippines!
Philippines

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Style Up with Clothes
Thinking what to wear this New Year, we help you a bit...
They are sought-after to wear white on New Year's eve! But also some parts believe in wearing colored underwear! Interesting you see! 😀
Red - Love
Yellow - Money
Green -  Luck and lot more!
Brazil
Here, these lovely people believe in wearing red underwear to bring luck.
Turkey
So basically, some South American countries seem to bid on colored underpants on New Year's! 😉
Let's do Some Fortune-Telling
To see what the year has stored for you, cast the molten tin into the water and wait for its shape, heart will say love, or wedding, and so on ...
Finland
Colombians put 3 potatoes under their pillow: unpeeled for abundance, peeled for financial problems, and half-peeled in middle. Pull out the one you touched first and see your fate.
Colombia
And trust me, if this comes true, it is my favorite tradition then!
Also, they carry empty suitcases to the block, wishing for travel filled year!

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Burn away all the old stuff before welcoming the New Year!
Specifically, Ecuadorians burn the scarecrow and old pictures of the past year to say, "we burn all the bad happenings in the past".
After all, it is about the choice of what you wish to burn!
Ecuador
For New Year decor they hang onions outside the door. Very unique you see!
Greece
Be careful, if you in Greece on New Year's eve, as you might have a bread or a cake with coins baked in it! If you find one, you will have a lucky year ahead!
People in Singapore make wishes launching the "wishing spheres" in the Singapore river.
Singapore

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Open windows to make way for old year to go out!
Jar for New Year resolution or goals.
Some Common Ones

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Raise a toast, or bake or roast
Forgive & forget, all the regret
New year is beginning the new innings.
Share the story with your friends before you plan how to celebrate your New Year!
Happy New Year!!!!