5 of the World's Most Unique New Year's Eve Traditions

Traveling out of the country this December? If you aren’t planning on staying in the U.S. this New Year’s Eve, you don’t have to worry about missing out on the festivities as many countries have exciting celebrations of their own. Here’s a look at just a few fun traditions we found.
1. What Are New Year's Traditions in Scotland
Would you drop your ice cream on the ground if you thought it would bring you wealth? On New Year’s, the Swiss drop a scoop of ice cream to ensure a year filled with luck, wealth, and peace!
If you’re going to be in Switzerland for New Year’s, the best city to celebrate in is Zurich. With live music, fireworks, and festivities to keep you busy all night long, you won’t be disappointed in this lively city.
2. What Are New Year's Traditions in Switzerland
Would you drop your ice cream on the ground if you thought it would bring you wealth? On New Year’s, the Swiss drop a scoop of ice cream to ensure a year filled with luck, wealth, and peace!
If you’re going to be in Switzerland for New Year’s, the best city to celebrate in is Zurich. With live music, fireworks, and festivities to keep you busy all night long, you won’t be disappointed in this lively city.
3. What Are New Year's Traditions in Japan
New Year’s in Japan is also referred to as Shogatsu or Oshogatsu. A big part of their tradition is ringing bells in Buddhist Temples.
The bells are rung 108 times to represent the human desires and are thought to “dispel negative emotions and mentalities,” according to Business Insider. People also gather around Zojoji Temple to release helium balloons containing New Year’s wishes.
4. What Are New Year's Traditions in Estonia
If you’re a foodie, Estonia is where you should be for New Year’s. Their New Year’s Eve tradition involves eating a lucky number of meals. Seven, Nine, and Twelve are considered the luckiest!
Don’t worry if you don’t think you’ll be able to finish everything on your plate when you’ve hit the seventh meal. Rumor has it, leaving some food behind will make ancestral spirits happy.
5. What Are New Year's Traditions in Spain
A popular tradition in Spain is to eat twelve grapes as the clock strikes 12. This tradition began in 1909, when there was a bountiful harvest in the town of Alicante and Alfonso XIII, and the King gave away grapes on New Year’s Eve.
It is now believed that consuming the twelve grapes will bring good luck in the upcoming year. Plus, maybe it’ll give you some motivation to keep that health resolution.
Are you going to be out of the country during New Year’s this year? Make sure you find out the traditions of the country you’re visiting, so you don’t miss out on a unique New Year’s celebration.
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