In the age of waiting for 11:11 to make a wish and eating grapes under the table for good luck, countries around the globe never stop surprising us with their unique traditions to welcome the new year, each having its own story.
The 12 grapes
A tradition that social media has largely popularised, las doce uvas de la suerte or the twelve lucky grapes, is a practice where one consumes 12 grapes at each stroke of midnight, welcoming the new year. Each grape represents each of the coming months. Dating back to 1895, the custom spread widely only by 1909, when Alicantese vine growers wanted to increase grape sales due to a surplus production that year. This Spanish tradition is said to bring luck and prosperity, while some variations from Peru (like sitting under a table while eating the grapes) are said to attract a soulmate. The 12 grapes tradition is linked to the Puerta del Sol clock, whose New Year chimes are broadcast nationwide.
Smashing plates
Every New Year, Denmark sees numerous utensils being smashed and broken. The tradition is said to bring good luck and love. Danes collect unwanted or chipped plates, cups and bowls throughout the year. These utensils are then smashed by throwing them on the doorsteps of friends and family on New Year’s Eve. It symbolises a new hope, breaking the past year’s troubles. The next morning, the pile of smashed plates is cleaned up, implying a fresh start. It is believed that the higher your pile is, the higher your well wishes. Ireland sees a similar custom where pots and pans are banged, whereas South Africa does something similar with used furniture.
Polka dots
In the Philippines, people are seen wearing polka dot prints for New Year. The tradition symbolises wealth and good fortune. The round dots resemble coins, a direct link to prosperity. This happens alongside other traditions such as having round fruits. It signifies a collective hope for good fortune.
Takanakuy festival
Imagine a festival where you could finish the disagreements you had in a year with people once and for all, by fighting it out. The Takanakuy festival is exactly that. Originating in Peru, Takanakuy is Quechua for "to hit each other". People dress up for a day filled with music, dance and fighting. The purpose of fighting on this day is to settle any conflicts with another person. Those who are fighting call out their opponents by their first and last name. Apart from settling conflicts, the custom is seen as a form of social catharsis.
Empty suitcase
A tradition to attract a year full of travel, adventure and trips, Colombian New Year witnesses people grabbing an empty suitcase and running around their house, neighborhood or block at midnight. The custom is also seen in regions of Ecuador and Panama. It is believed that the faster you run, the more travel you will have in the upcoming year. This is just one among Colombia’s new year rituals, with others being wearing yellow underwear inside-out for wealth, burning of a straw doll to leave bad memories of the past year and carrying raw lentils in your pocket for prosperity.
Burning Pappanji
Every New Year, a giant-sized effigy of an old man called Pappanji is set to fire in Kochi of Kerala. The event marks the culmination of the Cochin Carnival and the start of the New Year. It symbolises letting go of the past year’s negativity and embracing hope. The tradition is said to have Portuguese roots; from the time they ruled Kochi from 1503-1663. Others say that the custom originated from Jewish cultures. The effigy burning is accompanied by fireworks. From 2012, it has been an important aspect of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
First footing
First foot is the first person to enter a home on New Year’s Day. They’re often seen as the bringer of good fortune, as seen in Scottish, Northern English and Manx folklore. While the origin is uncertain, it is possibly linked to the Viking Invasion of the British Isles (When fair-haired men were to be feared). The first foot was ideally a dark-haired man bearing gifts like coal, shortbread, whisky and salt, signifying warmth, prosperity and health.
Bear dance
Jocul Ursului or the Romanian bear dance marks yet another unique way to ring in the New Year. The dance represents the death and rebirth of the bear, marking the end of the old year and start of the new year. People and performers dress up in heavy bear costumes (what used to be bear skins centuries ago) and dance to rhythmic drums, said to celebrate the cycle of nature, ward off evil spirits and bring strength and renewal. Regions in Moldavia see the most vibrant celebrations.
Hanging onions
This Greek tradition sees people hanging onions on doors, highlighting resilience, where the onion sprouts even after uprooting it. It symbolises rebirth, fertility and growth for the household even in dire circumstances. On New Year’s Day, parents wake their children up by gently tapping the onion on their heads.
Predicting future with metal
Finnish New Year starts with traditions predicting the future. The ritual involves heating a small piece of metal until it melts, which is then quickly poured into a bucket of cold water, forming a unique shape that is believed to interpret the future. Common interpretations include a bubbly surface symbolising incoming wealth, a ship suggesting travel, a key representing career progress, a basket indicating abundance, a horse pointing to new transportation and broken or fragile shapes hinting at possible misfortune or a hectic year.
