New Year’s is an annual tradition on the first of January that celebrates going into a new year. New Year’s has been celebrated by many cultures over the years. The earliest known date New Year’s was celebrated is from about 2000 BCE in Mesopotamia, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. 

Many cultures have different ways of celebrating New Year’s. In Brazil, people go to the beach and jump seven waves while making seven wishes. This tradition pays homage to Yemanja, the goddess of water. Before getting in the water, you’re supposed to wear all white. The Spanish start their new year off with Las doce uvas de la suerte. People eat 12 grapes within a matter of seconds before midnight. Each grape symbolizes each hour on the clock. This is believed to ward off evil and boost the chances of a prosperous and lucky new year. 

In Japan, people start off the new year by eating a warm bowl of soba noodles. In Denmark, it is considered good luck to jump off a chair and into the new year at midnight.  Another tradition in Denmark is smashing old plates over friends' heads or on families’ doors. This is believed to bring good luck.  In Canada, people celebrate the new year by going ice fishing because it's people's favorite sport.  In the Philippines, people serve 12 round fruits, such as apples, grapes, and plums. These are believed to represent prosperity due to their shape. The number 12 was chosen because that's the number of months in a year. 

Many cultures have different and unique ways of celebrating the new year.  New Year’s traditions have been a significant part of many cultures over the years. Each celebration has its cultural importance and meaning.