7 Unique Ways to Ring in the New Year

One of the most common practices for New Year's is making New Year's resolutions. But what you may not know is that New Year's is celebrated in many other unique ways all over the globe! Check out some of these interesting traditions, and maybe be inspired to ask others you know, especially your parents or other relatives, how they grew up ringing in the New Year.

1. In Italy, the evening begins with a traditional dish, cotechino e lenticchie, which is pork sausage with lentils. Because lentils are oval-shaped, and therefore reminiscent of gold coins, they are representative of the money that one hopes to earn in the new year.

2. In Germany, there is a tradition called bleigiessen which involves melting pieces of lead on a candle and trying to interpret the future based on the shape the lead forms after cooling. For example, if you get something that resembles a car or a ship, there may be travel in the coming year.

3. In the Phillipines, there is the belief that wearing clothes with polka-dots will bring lots of money (or prosperity) during the coming year.

4. In Spain, people eat 12 white grapes as the clock strikes midnight: one for each month of the new year. The chimes are broadcast on Spanish television stations, which helps time the grape consumption, and people often make a contest of getting the 12 grapes down in time. 

5. In Ireland, you may find people banging Christmas bread on the walls and doors of the family house at midnight. This tradition is said to frighten away bad spirits and bring good luck into the house.  In addition, the bread symbolizes abundance and ensures that the household will have plenty of bread and food during the coming year.

6. In Denmark, it is a good sign to find your door heaped with a pile of broken dishes on New Years day. Old dishes are saved year-round to leave at the doorposts of friends on New Year's Eve. Many broken dishes are a symbol that you have many friends.

7. In Russia, families put up and trim New Year's trees in their homes. Gifts are placed under the tree for children, who wake up on New Year's Day in anticipation of opening up their presents.

... ask your friends and relatives about their New Year's tradition!