10 new years traditions around the world

Here are 10 New Year's traditions from around the world:

  1. Spain and Portugal: Eating 12 Grapes at Midnight: In Spain and Portugal, it's believed that eating 12 grapes at midnight will bring good luck for the next 12 months. The grapes are typically eaten at the stroke of midnight, with each grape representing a month of the year.
  2. Japan: Visiting Shrines and Temples: In Japan, many people visit shrines and temples on New Year's Eve to pray for good luck, health, and happiness in the coming year. They often write New Year's cards, called "nengajo," and exchange them with friends and family.
  3. Brazil: Jumping Waves: In Brazil, many people spend New Year's Eve at the beach, jumping waves and running into the ocean to wash away their sins and bring good luck for the new year.
  4. China: Giving Red Envelopes: In China, it's customary to give red envelopes filled with money to children and loved ones on New Year's Eve. The red color symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
  5. India: Lighting Diyas: In India, many people light diyas (small clay lamps) on New Year's Eve to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and to bring good luck and prosperity.
  6. Russia: Eating Blini: In Russia, it's traditional to eat blini (thin pancakes) on New Year's Eve, often with caviar, sour cream, and jam. The blini are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
  7. South Africa: Taking a Dip in the Ocean: In South Africa, many people take a dip in the ocean on New Year's Day to wash away their sins and bring good luck for the new year.
  8. Thailand: Water Fights: In Thailand, many people engage in water fights on New Year's Eve, known as "Songkran," to wash away the old year and bring in the new one.
  9. Germany: Eating Sauerkraut: In Germany, it's traditional to eat sauerkraut on New Year's Eve, which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
  10. Iceland: Jumping Over Fountains: In Iceland, many people jump over fountains on New Year's Eve to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The tradition is believed to have originated from the Viking era, when people would jump over fires to purify themselves.

These are just a few examples of the many unique and fascinating New Year's traditions found around the world. Each one reflects the cultural and historical context of the country or region, and they all add to the excitement and celebration of the start of a new year.