20 Hilarious New Year’s Eve Traditions in Different Countries

People all over the world have the same feeling: we need to do something to mark New Year’s Eve. So we invent traditions, and some of them are widely followed in certain countries. If you decide to celebrate New Year’s abroad, don’t be surprised when you see locals doing strange things. Just follow their lead and maybe bring home a new tradition for next year!

 

1. Russia

People watch two Soviet movies – ‘The Irony of Fate’ and ‘The Carnival Night’ –  and cook Olivier salad.

2. Japan

Bells toll 108 times. Each toll is for one of the 6 basic sins. Since each sin has 18 gradations, we get 108 tolls.

 

3. Burma

People pour water over everyone they meet, even if they don’t know each other.

 

4. Italy

People ring in the new year by getting rid of old and useless things.

5. Austria

Giving a present of glass or china pigs (often money-boxes) symbolize bringing in wealth in the upcoming year.

6. Romania

A young man puts on a bear costume and dances to scare away the bad fairy.

7. Argentina

Everyone celebrates by throwing unnecessary papers and journals out of their windows.

Continue to Page 2

8. Panama

Burn effigies called muñecos that symbolize the old year.

9. Finland

Throw molten tin into a glass of water and interpret its form to see what the new year will bring.

 

10. Venezuela

Yellow pants will bring you luck in the New Year.

 

11. Estonia

Eat seven times on New Year’s Day to be rich and satisfied.

12. Denmark

Throw dishes against the front doors of your friends. If you see many broken dishes in the morning, it means that you have many friends.

13. Colombia

Take your empty bag and walk around your block to have many trips in the New Year.

14. Argentina

Put on pink underwear to attract love.

Continue to Page 3

15. Spain

Eat 12 grapes, one for every strike of clock.

16. Greece

A head of the family must smash a pomegranate in his yard.

17. Kenya

Bathe in the river or lake to be successful.

18. Cuba

Clock strikes just 11 times instead of common 12, because everyone should have a rest.

19. England

Houses are decorated with mistletoe branches.

20. Sweden

People present each other with handmade candles that symbolize light.

If you know some more cool traditions that are followed in other countries, tell us about them below.