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1. Round Fruits in the Philippines
1. Round Fruits in the Philippines
Round fruits take center stage at the table for Media Noche (Midnight Meal) in the Philippines.
Explanation: The round shape of the fruits represents coins, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The practice of having 12 different fruits corresponds to the 12 months of the year, ensuring luck throughout the year.
References:
Video: Filipino New Year Traditions
2. White Clothing in Brazil
2. White Clothing in Brazil
White clothing is worn in Brazil for good luck and peace.
Explanation: Wearing white is a tradition tied to Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé. The color white is associated with peace, purity, and the goddess Oxalá, symbolizing new beginnings and harmony.
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3. Jumping Waves in Brazil
3. Jumping Waves in Brazil
In Brazil it is customary to jump over seven waves while making a wish.
Explanation: This ritual pays homage to Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea, to seek blessings and good fortune. Each wave jumped represents a wish or goal for the coming year.
References:
Video: Brazil’s New Year Traditions
4. Gift-Giving in Russia
4. Gift-Giving in Russia
In Russia, it is common to give gifts for New Year.
Explanation: When Christmas celebrations were banned during the Soviet era, gift-giving was moved to New Year's Eve, with Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) delivering gifts under a "New Year Tree."
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5. Babylonian New Year’s Resolutions
5. Babylonian New Year’s Resolutions
Babylonians were the first to celebrate New Year and to make resolutions.
Explanation: The Babylonians celebrated Akitu for over 12 days, marking the spring equinox. They pledged to return borrowed items and repay debts, reflecting their belief in maintaining harmony with the gods.
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6. Dish-Breaking in Denmark
6. Dish-Breaking in Denmark
In Denmark, the more shards you have on your doorstep the luckier you are.
Explanation: Breaking dishes symbolizes the affection and goodwill of those who visit. The more shards left at your door, the more love and friendships you’ve gathered throughout the year.
References:
Video: Danish New Year Traditions
7. Mistletoe in Ireland
7. Mistletoe in Ireland
People in Ireland put a sprig of mistletoe under their pillows on New Year's eve.
Explanation: Mistletoe, considered magical by the Celts, was believed to ward off evil spirits. Placing it under a pillow on New Year's Eve is said to attract visions of one’s future spouse or bring love.
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8. Leaping into January in Denmark
8. Leaping into January in Denmark
It is a tradition to stand on your chair and "leap" into January at midnight.
Explanation: Jumping off chairs at midnight signifies leaving the old year behind and stepping into the new year with optimism and energy.
References:
Video: Unique Danish Traditions
9. Lucky Charms in Germany
9. Lucky Charms in Germany
In Germany, symbols given as lucky charms are pigs, mushrooms and chimney sweeps.
Explanation: Symbols like pigs, mushrooms, and chimney sweeps represent good luck, prosperity, and happiness. These tokens are often exchanged as gifts to ensure a fortunate year ahead.
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10. Empty Suitcases in Colombia
10. Empty Suitcases in Colombia
In Columbia, people hold empty suitcases while running around their block.
Explanation: Running around with an empty suitcase symbolizes the desire for travel and adventure. It’s believed to invite opportunities for new experiences and journeys in the coming year.
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11. Coins in Greek Desserts
11. Coins in Greek Desserts
In Greece
Explanation: The Vasilopita, named after St. Basil, contains a hidden coin, symbolizing blessings and luck for the finder. This tradition honors St. Basil’s acts of kindness.
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12. Peppermint Pigs in New York
12. Peppermint Pigs in New York
Explanation: This tradition stems from 19th-century Saratoga, New York. Families smash peppermint pigs to share pieces of sweetness and prosperity for the new year.
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13. Melting Tin in Germany
13. Melting Tin in Germany
Explanation: Germans believe the shapes formed by molten lead or wax in cold water predict events in the coming year. For example, a ship shape indicates travel, while a ring suggests marriage.
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14–16. Colorful Underwear in Latin America
14–16. Colorful Underwear in Latin America
Explanation: Yellow represents wealth and luck; red signifies love and passion; white stands for peace and harmony. Wearing these colors reflects personal hopes for the new year.
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17. Smashing Pomegranates in Turkey
17. Smashing Pomegranates in Turkey
Explanation: Pomegranates are smashed to spread their seeds, symbolizing abundance, fertility, and prosperity. The more seeds scattered, the greater the fortune.
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18. Wishing Spheres in Singapore
18. Wishing Spheres in Singapore
Explanation: At Marina Bay, thousands of illuminated spheres inscribed with personal wishes are set afloat. This symbolizes collective hopes for the future.
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19. Buckets of Water in Puerto Rico
19. Buckets of Water in Puerto Rico
Explanation: This tradition cleanses homes of evil spirits and negativity. Throwing water out the window represents washing away bad energy to make room for positivity.
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20. 108 Bell Chimes in Japan
20. 108 Bell Chimes in Japan
Explanation: "Joya no Kane" is a Buddhist ritual where 108 chimes represent purification from earthly desires such as anger and greed, ensuring a spiritually clean start to the year.
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21. Burning Dummies in Ecuador
21. Burning Dummies in Ecuador
Explanation: The effigies, called "años viejos," represent the old year and its struggles. Burning them at midnight is a symbolic cleansing ritual to leave the past behind.
References:
Video: Ecuador’s Años Viejos
22. First-Footing in Scotland
22. First-Footing in Scotland
Explanation: The "first-footer" tradition brings warmth (coal), food (shortbread), and drink (whiskey), ensuring prosperity for the household in the new year.
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23. Jam in Russian Champagne
23. Jam in Russian Champagne
Explanation: Adding jam to Champagne is a playful twist rooted in Soviet-era traditions, where simple ingredients were used to elevate festivities.
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