New Year’s Traditions and Facts: Do You Know How It’s Celebrated Around the World?

Within every country there are different traditions and rituals passed down from generation to generation, which are believed to bring good fortune and happiness in the year to come. I have compiled a short list of interesting cultural traditions form all over you probably didn’t know about.

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United States: A kiss at the stroke of midnight signifies the purification into the New Year, and making deafening noise is said to drive away evil spirits.

England: The first guest to arrive at their home is believed to hold their good fortune. They believe it should be a man bearing gifts, such as coal for the fire or a loaf of bread for the table. The guest will enter through the front door and exit out the back. Any guest who shows up empty handed or unwanted will not be allowed to enter the home first.

Spain and Peru: These countries have similar traditions, in that they eat 12 grapes to bring good luck in the 12 months ahead. However, in Peru they eat a 13th grape to insure their good luck.

Japan: In Japan they decorate their homes for the New Year with pine branches symbolizing longevity, a bamboo stalk symbolizing prosperity, and a plum blossom showing nobility.

Greece and Norway: Also having similar traditions, in Greece they bake a bread with a coin inside, and if the third slice has the coin, it is said that spring will be early that year. Similarly, Norwegians make rice pudding with one whole almond, and whoever’s serving holds the almond is guaranteed wealth that year.

Sicily: Lasagna is served on New Year’s Day, because any other noodle served is said to bring bad luck.

China: As most people already know, the Chinese New Year is not on January 1, but they still celebrate old traditions to ring in their new start. Every front door is painted with a fresh coat of red paint, symbolizing good luck and happiness. Also, families prepare feasts without using knives. All knives are put away for 24 hours to keep anyone form cutting themselves, because it is thought to cut the families’ good luck for the year.