We’re getting closer to another year, and we’re sure you’ve got your celebrations well planned.
We’re also sure that your celebrations are being heavily influenced by the country that you live in. Around the world, everyone celebrates New Years in different ways, from throwing bread against walls – see Ireland – to wearing red underwear – see Italy.
Every country has a unique and weirdly wonderful way to bring in the new year, and some include traditions that go back hundreds of years.
With this in mind, we’re going to take a look at some of these celebrations, giving you an idea of how New Years is going to be celebrated when the clock hits midnight.
Dropping the Ball in the US
If you were to celebrate New Years in the US this year, you’ll find millions of Americans tuning in to watch a gigantic ball drop in Times Square. This began in 1907, when New York Times owner, Adolph Ochs, wanted to draw attention to their shiny new headquarters. 116 years later, and that attention is still being drawn!
Making Noise in Denmark
If you were to celebrate in Denmark, you’re going to need to make a lot of noise. Firecrackers, poppers, bullhorns, fireworks, you name it, if it makes noise, it’s invited to the party. This tradition started hundreds of years ago when Danish farmers believed that making noise would ward away evil spirits. Now it’s just good fun! But you’ll have to make sure the noise stops by 6 PM. This is when the Danish Queen makes her annual New Year's speech, and if you want to be part of the Queen’s New Year speech odds, you’re going to want to hear what she has to say!
Eating Grapes in Spain
On a slightly more low-key note, Spain has an interesting tradition whereby they kick off the new year eating 12 grapes. These grapes are supposed to symbolise each strike of the clock, and it’s a tradition that began way back in the 19th century, when Spanish people were once again trying to ward off evil spirits – we all know evil spirits are petrified of grapes, right?
Burning the Old Man in India
Across the country of India, you’ll find hundreds of sculptures of old men, each one of which is set alight on the strike of midnight. The old men are supposed to symbolise the year that has just passed – with the fires about forgetting past grievances and paving the way for a new year. When the old men are burning, everyone gathers around the sculpture and sings, bringing together various people from different faiths and backgrounds to celebrate the new year together.
Going Ice Fishing in Canada
If you want to book a vacation home in Canada this New Years, then you better be prepared for the cold. With temperatures across the country averaging out at -1 degrees, you’d think that Canadians would get warm by the fire and celebrate the new year comfortably. Instead, they gather their kit and cooking equipment, rent huts, and go ice fishing! Sounds fun, huh?
Hanging Onions in Greece
Greece, like most other countries, will put on a load of firework displays on New Years Eve, bringing in the new year in style. On the next day, however, the celebrations are a little more muted. Across the country, Greece homeowners will take an onion from their kitchen and hang it outside their door. This isn’t just done to show off how nicely their onions have grown that year, but to bring their household fertility, good luck, and growth.
Listening to Big Ben in England
Fireworks are also a big part of the celebration for the British, coupled with the infamous tolls of Big Ben, which everybody in England waits for before they scream: “Happy New Year!”. Every year, thousands of people take to the streets of London to watch the fireworks and listen out for the tolls, and once the last one has rung, they link hands and start singing the traditional song, “Auld Lang Syne”. If you find yourself in London this year, we’d heavily recommend joining the party!