25 most strange New Year customs in different countries

When it comes to celebrating the New Year, each country has its own unusual traditions. Some people rush bread, others burn stuffed animals, and still others fight on fists for good luck. In this list - the most strange customs from around the world.

Broken Tableware

In Denmark, people collect all the unnecessary plates and bowls to break them on the doors of their friends and relatives on December 31st. It is customary to do it on good luck on the eve of a holiday.

Burning stuffed animals

In Ecuador, the New Year is celebrated by the burning of stuffed paper at midnight. In addition, local residents burn last year's photos. All this is done in order to attract good luck. Such customs are very common all over the world and are used during the most different holidays.

Twelve grapes

In Spain, if you manage to shove twelve grapes into the mouth at midnight, you provide yourself with luck for the whole next year. A similar tradition is known to the Italians.

Round objects

In the Philippines, traditions are associated with money. Local residents believe that everything at the time of celebration should be round, like coins, to provide wealth. Round food, round garments, round accessories - all round fit.

Colored underwear

In some parts of South Africa, people believe that the color of underwear can determine your fate for the whole next year. Red underwear will help you find love, yellow will bring wealth, and white will give peace in the soul. Of course, there is no scientific justification for such a tradition, nevertheless, a resident of any other country of the world can easily try it.

One hundred and eight blows

In Japan, one hundred and eight times they beat all bells, because Buddhists believe that this brings purification. In addition, it is considered a good sign to smile at the time of the new year, as this also guarantees good luck. It's hard to imagine a person who does not smile at such a festive moment. It turns out that the inhabitants of other countries, too, in a sense follow the Japanese tradition.

Takanakuy Festival

Every year at the end of December, people in a small village in Peru organize a fistfight to resolve all their conflicts. After that, they can start the year with a clean slate. This is somewhat hard, but quite logical approach, which guarantees the absence of quarrels and scandals in the village.

Throwing ice cream

In Switzerland, the New Year is celebrated by throwing ice cream on the floor. The appearance of this custom is enigmatic, nevertheless many Swiss act in this way, and all just to attract luck. If you accidentally drop your ice cream, you can remember about this tradition, maybe it will console you a little with the loss of dessert.

Coin toss

In Romania, residents believe that by throwing a trifle into the river, they can attract luck. This custom is widespread all over the world, but in other countries, coins are thrown into the water for good luck or to return to some tourist attractions, but Romanians prefer to use this tradition on the eve of the New Year.

Buckets of water

In some regions of Puerto Rico, people spill out buckets of water from windows to drive away evil spirits. This is also a custom, which in different forms is found in other countries of the world. For example, it is customary for some Slavic peoples to pour water on water after Easter.

Attention to the cows

In Belgium, they are serious about cattle. At least seriously enough to wish the cows a happy New Year, that's what farmers do. It is quite logical for those who live precisely because of their large cattle.

Sweet coins

In Bolivia, they bake coins in sweets, and those who find them are considered lucky for the whole next year. This tradition is quite nice and well-known, so it can often be seen in other countries: desserts with coins and surprises are prepared by both the British and Russians, and not always even for the New Year.

Pancakes

The French prefer simple and delicious customs. At the end of the year, it is customary to eat a pile of thin pancakes. However, on other days of the year pancakes can also be present on the table, after all France is still considered their homeland and not a local gourmet could eat such a dessert only once a year.

Suitcases

In Colombia, on the last day of the year they carry a suitcase with them everywhere, because it is believed that this will help to travel more in the next year. Follow this custom, maybe not very convenient, but the goal is more specific than in other countries. Who does not love traveling? If you are going somewhere with a suitcase at the end of December, you unconsciously observe the Colombian custom.

Jumping from height

Danes jump from the stairs so that next year was successful: a jump from the height symbolizes a good start. The main thing is to be careful. Trauma in the first minutes of the coming year will not exactly bring happiness.

Gray talcum powder

In Thailand, not only pour water, but also smear each other with gray talc.

Sleep in the cemetery

In Chile, families spend the night in the company of the deceased, going to bed directly at the cemetery. Nothing scary Chileans in this do not see, although for foreigners such a tradition could be a serious test of nerves for strength.

Communication with animals

As in Belgium, in Romania, farmers are trying to communicate with their cows. However, it is believed that if the cow responds, the farmer is waiting for an unsuccessful year. It's a perfectly understandable custom: a talking cow is really a very ominous sign.

Cattle strength

In Ireland, it is customary to throw bread in the wall to defeat evil spirits. Not surprisingly, for a tradition such a product has been chosen, the Irish are famous for their bread recipes, there are both yeast and non-yeast types of baking and a lot of secrets passed from generation to generation.

Throwing out furniture

In some areas of South Africa on the eve of the holiday they prefer to throw furniture out of the windows. The same traditions exist in Italy. It is believed that by throwing away old furniture, a person provides himself with happiness and renewal next year. The main thing at this moment is not to walk down the street: lucky passengers will not bring luck to the passers-by.

Ice jumps

In Siberia they jump into the icy water with a piece of wood in their hands.

Guessing on lead

In Finland, people are trying to get predictions about the coming year, pouring lead into a bucket of water and trying to interpret the resulting shapes. That's certainly an unusual tradition! Repeating this at home will be very, very difficult.

Incineration of figures

In Panama, burning figures depicting famous people, it is considered a good way to start the year successfully. It is rather difficult to explain the reason for burning such figures.

First guest

In Scotland, the one who first crosses the threshold of the house on the first of January, should bring a gift for luck. A particularly good sign is that when a guest is a man with dark hair. These beliefs are related to the ancient pagan times.

Food is plentiful

In Estonia, people eat seven times the first day of the year to ensure their fertility in the new year. However, we can say with confidence that this tradition is not unique. So do not only Estonians love, but also residents of many other countries, where a variety of delicious dishes are prepared for the holidays.