11 New Year’s Eve Traditions From Around the World

Stephanie Kempker | March 23, 2016

Throughout the world, many celebrants believe in taking special, superstitious actions to prepare for the New Year. In the US, this usually involved the writing of resolutions and celebrating with champagne at midnight – maybe even a midnight kiss.

Around the world, a wide range of cultures believes in a variety of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day actions that can influence one’s fortune for the upcoming year. Whether purported to drive out the bad or draw in the good, these traditions are deeply rooted in local culture and are important aspects of every successful New Year’s celebration.

Which superstitions will you practice this year?

Denmark

Out with the old, literally, in this European country. Danes break old plates, glasses, and bowls against the doors of friends, family, and neighbors. As midnight approaches, celebrators stand on chairs and then jump off of them, in unison, when midnight strikes. “Leaping” into the New Year is supposed to cast off bad spirits and bring good fortune in the coming months.

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