Weird New Years Traditions That Exist All Over The World

Here is something that we, as humans, celebrate all around the world, regardless of origin, nationality, and cultural background.  The new year, people believe is a new beginning, a new year means a new chance at love, wealth, and good fortune.  A new start. Have you ever wondered what other cultures do as a tradition for the new year? These things are all the same no matter where you hang your hat.  The new year is also a time to say goodbye to ill fated memories and say hello to new promises and resolutions as a way to get oneself straightened out.  Along with these celebrations, comes traditions and superstitions.

Here in America, we celebrate the new years by having a good time with friends and family and making resolutions that we may or may not keep for the following year.  The midnight kiss is pretty big deal too.  But have you ever wondered what other cultures do as a tradition for the new year?

In Ireland

In Ireland, young women will place mistletoe leaves under their pillow in hopes of finding a husband in the new year.

A Strange And Weird Danish New Year Tradition

A strange and weird Danish New Year tradition is throwing breakable dishes at neighbor’s door. Strangely this makes them happy instead of annoying them. The family with the most huge tower of broken plates, glasses, cups and other crockery is considered to be the most lucky one because it means that they have lots of loyal friends.

Mexican Traditions

Talking to spirits is a part of Mexican belief. Mexicans strongly believe that they can communicate with the souls of their dead loved ones. New Year eve is considered the best time to communicate with the dead spirits to convey a message or ask for guidance. And this is not done at home on individuals basis but is practiced legally. Taos Inn, in New Mexico, e.g. offers 15 minutes session of spiritualism and meditation in $15. Mexicans also celebrate a day, “Day of the Dead” annually on the 2nd of November.

Philippines On New Year Day

Imagine streets full of people wearing polka dots and dinning table full of round shaped food and fruits on one single day of the year. This all actually happens in the Philippines on the New Year eve every year. Philippines believe that this will bring them prosperity by associating the round dots to coins and wealth.

A Dangerous Scottish Festival

A dangerous Scottish festival around the New Year is the festival of Hogmanay. The Hogmanay Festival is a New Year celebration with a dash of Scottish flair. This festival takes place on the 31st of December every year. Men parade through the streets holding blazing balls of fire. They continuously swing these balls over their heads.  According the the locals, the balls of fire bring purification and sunshine. This celebration dates back as far as the Vikings.

In The Southern United States

In the Southern United States the new year is rung in with with fireworks.  Difficult to do in Central New York with this much snow!  Also southerners will eat at least one spoonful of black eyed peas to ward off any bad luck for the new year.

However you celebrate the New Year, be sure to do it safely and in the company of friends and family.  Here's to a prosperous new year!