06 Jan Crazy New Year’s Traditions That Will Have You Laughing

This New Year’s Eve I worked at the hospital, bring new babies into the world. We paused at midnight and shared a toast with some sparkling apple cider in styrofoam cups. Super classy. When I had time for a break, I was able to sit down and read all of the texts sent to me from friends around the world. It struck me that everyone was celebrating New Year’s with different traditions, some of which had me laughing out loud.

There are many fun and unique ways to ring in the New Year, every country with its own customs. Here’s a list of some of my favorites. Maybe you’ll be inspired to try something new and zany next year! Either way, you are sure to have more fun than I did this New Year!

In Denmark

The people in Denmark must be of the hardy sort. Every year on January 1st, they take part in a unique tradition. They choose (choose!) to jump into the freezing cold water of a lake or ocean. Dipping into the icy waters is thought to symbolize the leaving behind of old habits, starting the new year off with a ‘clean slate.’ This is definitely not for the faint of heart! Those who dare to participate are clearly and bravely showing their commitment to starting the new year fresh!

Maybe for those who prefer the warmth, the Danes have another tradition where people jump off chairs at midnight to ensure a prosperous new year, full of good luck.

In Spain

Like the New Year’s TikTok challenge from this year, the Spanish have a tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight – one for each chime of the clock. This festive ritual has been practiced since 1895 and is intended to bring prosperity and good luck as the new year begins. This whimsical tradition is sure to create a fun atmosphere for celebrating and ushering in another exciting year, especially because it’s not easy to eat one grape per second! Try it and see!

In Chile

Chileans wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve as it is thought to bring good luck in love and relationships.

In Ecuador

In Ecuador, people celebrate the new year with a rather unique tradition. On the last day of the year, they dig through their underwear drawer (what’s with the underwear?!) in search of something yellow. If you wear yellow underwear, it is supposed to bring good luck in love and money for the upcoming year. Not only that, but they keep them on until 12 pm on New Year’s Day. They then take them off and exchange them with someone who holds special significance to them. Let’s just hope they wash them first!

In Germany

The Germans have a cozy tradition of staying at home to watch an iconic TV show called “Dinner for One.” This comedy has been running since 1963! At midnight family and friends gather around the TV for a lot of laughter. To add to the festivities, many people will share a cake baked in the shape of a ring or doughnut, called a “Pfannkuchen” to represent good fortune in the coming year. These are traditionally stuffed with something sweet and delicious, but an occasional one may be stuffed with a surprise filling, such as mustard. If you get the surprise, you are in for a year of bad luck!

In Japan

People in Japan will often visit temples on New Year’s Eve, literally ringing in the new year by ringing a large bell 108 times, which represents the 108 human sins in Bhudism. This is said to cleanse them of earthly desires and worries. They also clean their homes from top to bottom in order to sweep away any bad luck, and to start the new year fresh.

In China

The Chinese have the delightful tradition of painting their front doors red on New Years Day. This is a symbol of happiness and good fortune. I love a red door! They also hide all knives to ensure no one cuts themselves as they believe this could affect the entire family’s luck in the next year.

In South Africa

In South Africa, you’d better watch out if you’re walking in the city. Their New Year’s tradition may not have you laughing! On New Years Day, South Africans like to throw old furniture out of their windows to get rid of bad luck from the previous year. I have a couch I’d like to do that with.

In Greece

A tradition in Greece is to hang an onion on the front door on New Year’s Eve. This is a symbol of the new year. The next morning, the parents wake their children by tapping them on the head with said onion. Poor kids can probably think of a better way to start the year than that!

In the United States

In the United States, we seem to choose traditions from a variety of sources, and then we add our own. Americans like to celebrate with a party. We share good food and drinks, culminating in fireworks and the ball dropping in Times Square. If you can’t be in Times Square, you can watch it on TV. At the strike of midnight it is customary to toast to the new year and share a kiss with someone you love.

So there you have it – ten New Year’s traditions from around the world that are sure to get you laughing, and in a festive spirit! I know there are many more – what are some of your favorite ways to ring in the new year?

Next time, whether you’re working the night shift, or jumping into ice cold water, I hope you find a unique and exciting way to celebrate the coming year!