Recently updated on January 23rd, 2020 at 11:45 pm
Fireworks, Champagne toasts and a countdown to midnight have all become customary at New Year across the globe. But many countries, and even individual regions, have their own year-end customs, from climbing a tree to smashing fruit against the floor. We take a look at six of the most surprising New Year’s traditions that exist around the world.
Japan
While the name varies from region to region, ‘Toshikoshi’ soba is name most commonly used for Japan’s ‘year-crossing’ noodles, which are eaten on New Year’s Eve. This tradition dictates the long soba noodles are eaten without being cut first, as a metaphor for letting go of the hardships of the past year. In Japan, soba noodles represent strength, while their length represents a long life. This New Year tradition originates from the Edo period, but it’s one that is still very much alive today.
Peru
Across Peru, there are a number of long-held customs that people take part in to see in the New Year. Of these traditions, one of the most unique is the act of leaving grains of rice around the home. Peruvian people do this each year in the hope that it will bring prosperity and good fortune in the coming months.
Ireland
As a nation that’s known for its unique traditions and beliefs, it’s no surprise that Ireland has its own customs to mark the New Year. And many are still carried out to this day, even if it is just for fun. Perhaps the most unusual custom is banging bread against the walls and doors of the home. People once believed this warded off evil spirits, ensuring they would have plentiful bread throughout the year.
Greece
From this country’s major cities to its small rural villages, many people in Greece continue the New Year traditions that have long been customary here. Of these customs, one of the most unusual is the act of smashing pomegranates on the ground, based on the belief that this fruit is a symbol of prosperity.
Chile
A number of South America’s nations share the same New Year traditions, and Chile is no exception. One of these customs is to pack a suitcase and walk around in circles, or around the neighbourhood, with the suitcase in hand. This is believed to increase your chances of travelling in the coming year.
Slovenia
According to tradition in the region of Kocevje in Slovenia, if a person climbs up onto a fence or to the top of a tree on New Year’s Eve, they will be able to see what is going to happen in the New Year, providing they are not carrying or wearing any metal. An ancient belief, unfortunately you’re unlikely to encounter many people swinging from the treetops today.
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Image credits: Cover photo © iStock / 8213erika. Soba in Japan © iStock / antares71. Rice in Peru © iStock / Barcin. Soda Bread © iStock / Szakaly. Greek Pomegranate © iStock / enricopiscopo. A Suitcase in Chile © iStock / Mark Rubens. A Tree by a Lake in Slovenia © iStock / borchee.