10 Strange New Year Traditions From Around The World That Will Make Your Jaw Drop And Eyes Roll

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As you're still debating whether to go out or stay in, someone halfway across the world is charged to celebrate New Year's Eve, and trust us when we say, it is not just fireworks and cheers!

Not every place rings New Year's Eve in the same way it can be anything from furniture tossing, and wearing red underwear, to suitcase strolls. So put on your party hats (or pajamas, no judgment here), and let's take a hilarious jaunt around the world to see how various time zones welcome New Year.

1. Spain's 12 Grapes of Luck Tradition
In Spain, it's customary to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, each grape representing good luck for each month of the coming year. This tradition is known as "Las doce uvas de la suerte," and it originated in 1909. This one has become a fun and challenging activity for many Spaniards, as they attempt to consume all 12 grapes in perfect harmony with the clock's chimes. The flavor of the grapes, which are sweet or sour, also predicts what the new year will bring.

2. Denmark's Plate Smashing Tradition
Danes have a unique way of bidding farewell to the old year by smashing plates against the doors of their friends and family. The more broken plates one finds on their doorstep, the more friends one will have and the more fortunate one will be in the new year. People save the unused plates throughout the year and on 31st December, all are hurled at the front doors of loved ones, friends, and family.

3. Eucador's Scarecrow Burning Tradition
On New Year's Eve, people build scarecrow-like effigies (called año viejo); old clothes are stuffed with newspaper or sawdust, and a mask, is fitted on top. This is a symbol of cleansing and the effigies are set on fire at midnight on New Year's Eve. This is done to banish ill fortune and negative energy that has accumulated in the last year.

4. Scotland's First-Footing Tradition Tradition
In Scotland, the "first footer," the first person to enter a home after midnight, is believed to bring good fortune for the new year. Traditionally, a tall, dark-haired man is considered the most auspicious first footer, and he often brings symbolic gifts such as coins, bread, salt, and whisky. This tradition is also known as Quaaltagh or Qualtagh. While big blonde strangers commonly armed with axes and swords at the door meant trouble.

5. Japan's 108 Bell Rings
In Japan, the arrival of the New Year is marked by the ringing of temple bells. At the stroke of midnight, Buddhist temples across the country ring their bells 108 times, symbolizing the 108 earthly desires that lead to suffering according to Buddhist beliefs. The sound is believed to purify the listeners and bring good luck.

6. Philippines' Round Shapes for Prosperity Tradition
Here, the new year spells money and Filipinos believe that round shapes symbolize prosperity and wealth. As a result, many prepare and consume round fruits, such as grapes and oranges, and decorate their homes with round items to invite good fortune for the coming year. Further, they keep coins in their pockets and wear clothes with polka dots so that the money keeps flowing.

7. Italy's Furniture Tossing Tradition
In some parts of Italy, such as Naples, it's customary to throw old furniture out of windows, balconies, and doors on New Year's Eve as the motto is 'Out with the Old'. This act symbolizes a fresh start for the year ahead, and it's believed that getting rid of old possessions brings good luck and new opportunities. However, to prevent injuries, now locals just throw small and soft objects. This custom is also practiced in Johannesburg, South Africa.

8. Germany's Carp Scales Tradition
In this country, people enjoy a traditional meal of Silvesterkarpfen (or 'New Year's Carp') on New Year's Eve. There is a belief that it is lucky to keep a scale from the carp in your wallet throughout the year as it brings wealth and luck. Also, removing the scale is seen as removing luck from one's life.

9. Brazil's Wave-jumping Tradition
This place has many beaches, and therefore, if you head to the shoreline on one of Brazil, you will probably see people preparing to enter the New Year with the custom of jumping over seven waves - one for each day of the week, at midnight. Also, by doing so, Brazilians pay honour to Yemoja, goddess of the sea, and hope to get her blessings for the year ahead. It is also commonplace to bring offerings such as jewelry and flowers, to leave at the shoreline.

10. Latin America's Empty Suitcase Tradition
In Latin America, people with wanderlust see in the New Year by carrying an empty suitcase on a stroll around their block. This act is believed to ensure a year filled with travel and adventure, making it a popular ritual for those with a passion for exploring new horizons. People have also taken to racing with empty suitcases, too, in a bid to speed things along.