On Wings this week, look at how different cultures celebrate their new year. Find out about some traditionally unique festivals and how you can make the best of this holiday season with chilling and thrilling experiences. Only on WION, World Is One. WION Wings with Tor Johan Castell.

New Year traditions & Unique festivals around the world | WION Wings

<p>As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, celebrations unfold worldwide, each culture infusing its festivities with distinct rituals and customs. Beyond fireworks and champagne toasts, various cultures embrace peculiar traditions that add an intriguing twist to bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new.</p>

<p>Let's discover some strange New Year's Eve traditions from diverse corners of the world.</p>

<h2><strong>Spain's Grapes of Luck</strong></h2>

<p>In Spain, the tradition of consuming twelve grapes at midnight reigns supreme. As the clock chimes twelve times, Spaniards hurriedly eat twelve grapes, each symbolising luck for the upcoming months. And, failing to consume all the grapes within the twelve chimes is believed to bring misfortune.</p>

<h2>Denmark's Plate-Smashing Merriment</h2>

<p>In Denmark, rather than the sound of fireworks, one can hear the sound of people breaking plates at their neighbours' or friends' doors to celebrate the New Year&nbsp;as it is a traditional practice among the Danish to express camaraderie and goodwill. A giant pile of broken dishes is believed to represent more luck for the coming months.</p>

<h2>Ecuador's Effigy Bonfires</h2>

<p>Ecuadorians bid adieu to the past year by burning effigies of politicians, pop culture figures, or representations of the old year itself. These effigies, known as "años viejos" (old years), are set ablaze in neighbourhoods to symbolise ridding oneself of the previous year's troubles and welcoming a fresh start.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-kanye-wests-infamous-sock-shoe-worth-200-gets-trolled-online-670561">Kanye West's infamous sock shoe worth $200 gets trolled online</a></strong></p>

<h2>Japan's Temple Bells</h2>

<p>In Japan, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times on New Year's Eve to dispel the 108 human sins, according to Buddhist beliefs. People across Japan flock to temples, and the tolling of bells called "joya no kane" signals a purification ritual, cleansing individuals of past wrongdoings.</p>

<h2>Scotland's First-Footing Tradition</h2>

<p>In Scotland, the "first-footer" is the first person to enter a home after midnight. This tradition holds that the luck of the household for the entire year depends on the first-footer's characteristics. Dark-haired men bring the most luck, according to the tradition, while women, light-haired men and redheads were seen as harbingers of ill fate.</p>

<h2>South Africa's Furniture Tossing</h2>

<p>On New Year's Eve, South Africans&nbsp;throwing furniture out of windows. This unconventional practice symbolises clearing out the old and embracing the new. Residents rid themselves of unwanted furniture to welcome the new year with a fresh start.</p>

<p>These fascinating traditions showcase the rich tapestry of customs worldwide, illustrating how diverse cultures celebrate the transition into a new year. Whether it's consuming grapes for luck or&nbsp;breaking dishes for friendship, each tradition carries unique symbolism and reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people.</p>


As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, celebrations unfold worldwide, each culture infusing its festivities with distinct rituals and customs. Beyond fireworks and champagne toasts, various cultures embrace peculiar traditions that add an intriguing twist to bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new.

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, celebrations unfold worldwide, each culture infusing its festivities with distinct rituals and customs. Beyond fireworks and champagne toasts, various cultures embrace peculiar traditions that add an intriguing twist to bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new. Let's discover some strange New Year's Eve traditions from diverse corners of the world. Spain's Grapes of Luck In Spain, the tradition of consuming twelve grapes at midnight reigns supreme. As the clock chimes twelve times, Spaniards hurriedly eat twelve grapes, each symbolising luck for the upcoming months. And, failing to consume all the grapes within the twelve chimes is believed to bring misfortune. Denmark's Plate-Smashing Merriment In Denmark, rather than the sound of fireworks, one can hear the sound of people breaking plates at their neighbours' or friends' doors to celebrate the New Year as it is a traditional practice among the Danish to express camaraderie and goodwill. A giant pile of broken dishes is believed to represent more luck for the coming months. Ecuador's Effigy Bonfires Ecuadorians bid adieu to the past year by burning effigies of politicians, pop culture figures, or representations of the old year itself. These effigies, known as "años viejos" (old years), are set ablaze in neighbourhoods to symbolise ridding oneself of the previous year's troubles and welcoming a fresh start. Also read: Kanye West's infamous sock shoe worth $200 gets trolled online Japan's Temple Bells In Japan, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times on New Year's Eve to dispel the 108 human sins, according to Buddhist beliefs. People across Japan flock to temples, and the tolling of bells called "joya no kane" signals a purification ritual, cleansing individuals of past wrongdoings. Scotland's First-Footing Tradition In Scotland, the "first-footer" is the first person to enter a home after midnight. This tradition holds that the luck of the household for the entire year depends on the first-footer's characteristics. Dark-haired men bring the most luck, according to the tradition, while women, light-haired men and redheads were seen as harbingers of ill fate. South Africa's Furniture Tossing On New Year's Eve, South Africans throwing furniture out of windows. This unconventional practice symbolises clearing out the old and embracing the new. Residents rid themselves of unwanted furniture to welcome the new year with a fresh start. These fascinating traditions showcase the rich tapestry of customs worldwide, illustrating how diverse cultures celebrate the transition into a new year. Whether it's consuming grapes for luck or breaking dishes for friendship, each tradition carries unique symbolism and reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people.

Strange New Year's Eve traditions from around the world

<p>You must think that New Year celebrations involve a massive party with drinks, food and a kiss as the clock hits 12. But did you know that many countries have their own traditions of welcoming the New Year? Do you want to explore the other side of things? Here are some strange, crazy traditions from around the world to celebrate the coming of a new year and a new beginning:</p>

<p><strong>Australia</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Australians have had an age old tradition of mutually showing their delight by banging utensils (Others)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Year party isn&#39;t the only think Australians do to welcome the year. They have had an age old tradition of mutually showing their delight by banging utensils, drums, trumpets, horns and other musicals to remove the bad &#39;juju&#39; like bad omen, evil spirits and negativity and welcoming the new ones.</p>

<p><strong>Colombia</strong></p>

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<p>Strange traditions in Colombia include eating 12 grapes as soon as the clock turns 12 on the New Year&#39;s Eve (Agencies)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Colombians have their own traditions for New Year&#39;s Eve and New Year&#39;s Day - called ag&uuml;eros - the word ag&uuml;eros literally translates to &quot;omen&quot;. In terms of New Year it means bringing good things to everyone close to you. Some of these include eating 12 grapes as soon as the clock turns 12, wearing a pair of new yellow underwear, carrying lentils in your pocket on 31st December and taking an empty suitcase around the block after 12 o&#39;clock.</p>

<p><strong>Switzerland</strong></p>

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<p>The Swiss throw ice creams on the floor on New Year&#39;s Eve (Others)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The land of chocolates, watches and all good things believe in throwing ice cream on the floor on new year&rsquo;s eve as it is said to bring overflowing abundance in the New Year.</p>

<p><strong>Brazil</strong></p>

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<p>Brazilians have some New Year traditions that may seem rather bizarre (Others)</p>
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<p>Brazilians have some New Year traditions that may seem rather bizarre but people claim that they still follow it to bring them good luck, peace and happiness. These include &ndash; wearing white clothes with colorful underwear to welcome the New Year and jump seven waves, one for each day of the week, to bring good luck in the next year.</p>

<p><strong>Thailand</strong></p>

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<p>Thousands of people come together in Thailand for a massive water fight (Others)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thailand&rsquo;s New Year is called &ldquo;Songkran&rdquo; is celebrated in mid-April. It is celebrated in full swing over the course of three days including a national water festival that&rsquo;s grown to legendary proportions where thousands of people come together for a massive water fight. But that&rsquo;s not it, they also smear talcum powder all over each other&rsquo;s face.</p>

<p><strong>Chile</strong></p>

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<p>People in Chile celebrate New Year at a local cemetery (Others)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>People in Chile aren&rsquo;t focused on drawing Lady Luck to their side, but celebrate it at a local cemetery with their deceased loved ones in a chance to remember them. This tradition started about 15-16 years ago and it is known to bring peace to the loved ones they have lost.</p>

<p><strong>Panama</strong></p>

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<p>In Panama, people burn effigies of everyone and anyone famous on New Year (Others)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though the entire Panama celebrates New Year with great grandeur and vigor, they also celebrate the New Year by burning effigies of everyone and anyone famous. These life sized effigies are an old Panamanian tradition.&nbsp; These &ldquo;stuffed people&rdquo; are called many names - Mu&ntilde;ecos, Dummies, Old Year Dolls, Judas Dolls. They are stuffed with firecrackers which at lit and beaten when the clock hits 12 o&rsquo;clock. This is done so that the sins and evil spirits of the old year are destroyed, making way for good fortune in the New Year.</p>

<p><strong>South Africa</strong></p>

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<p>People throw furniture out of windows of tall buildings (Others)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the neighbourhood of Johannesburg, throwing furniture out of windows of tall buildings has been voted one of the strangest New Year traditions worldwide. The act symbolises casting away the old in favour of the new, letting go of past sorrows for a more hopeful time.</p>


You must think that New Year celebrations involve a massive party with drinks, food and a kiss as the clock hits 12. But did you know that many countries have their own traditions of welcoming the New Year?

You must think that New Year celebrations involve a massive party with drinks, food and a kiss as the clock hits 12. But did you know that many countries have their own traditions of welcoming the New Year? Do you want to explore the other side of things? Here are some strange, crazy traditions from around the world to celebrate the coming of a new year and a new beginning: Australia Australians have had an age old tradition of mutually showing their delight by banging utensils (Others) × New Year party isn't the only think Australians do to welcome the year. They have had an age old tradition of mutually showing their delight by banging utensils, drums, trumpets, horns and other musicals to remove the bad 'juju' like bad omen, evil spirits and negativity and welcoming the new ones. Colombia Strange traditions in Colombia include eating 12 grapes as soon as the clock turns 12 on the New Year's Eve (Agencies) × Colombians have their own traditions for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day - called agüeros - the word agüeros literally translates to "omen". In terms of New Year it means bringing good things to everyone close to you. Some of these include eating 12 grapes as soon as the clock turns 12, wearing a pair of new yellow underwear, carrying lentils in your pocket on 31st December and taking an empty suitcase around the block after 12 o'clock. Switzerland The Swiss throw ice creams on the floor on New Year's Eve (Others) × The land of chocolates, watches and all good things believe in throwing ice cream on the floor on new year’s eve as it is said to bring overflowing abundance in the New Year. Brazil Brazilians have some New Year traditions that may seem rather bizarre (Others) × Brazilians have some New Year traditions that may seem rather bizarre but people claim that they still follow it to bring them good luck, peace and happiness. These include – wearing white clothes with colorful underwear to welcome the New Year and jump seven waves, one for each day of the week, to bring good luck in the next year. Thailand Thousands of people come together in Thailand for a massive water fight (Others) × Thailand’s New Year is called “Songkran” is celebrated in mid-April. It is celebrated in full swing over the course of three days including a national water festival that’s grown to legendary proportions where thousands of people come together for a massive water fight. But that’s not it, they also smear talcum powder all over each other’s face. Chile People in Chile celebrate New Year at a local cemetery (Others) × People in Chile aren’t focused on drawing Lady Luck to their side, but celebrate it at a local cemetery with their deceased loved ones in a chance to remember them. This tradition started about 15-16 years ago and it is known to bring peace to the loved ones they have lost. Panama In Panama, people burn effigies of everyone and anyone famous on New Year (Others) × Though the entire Panama celebrates New Year with great grandeur and vigor, they also celebrate the New Year by burning effigies of everyone and anyone famous. These life sized effigies are an old Panamanian tradition. These “stuffed people” are called many names - Muñecos, Dummies, Old Year Dolls, Judas Dolls. They are stuffed with firecrackers which at lit and beaten when the clock hits 12 o’clock. This is done so that the sins and evil spirits of the old year are destroyed, making way for good fortune in the New Year. South Africa People throw furniture out of windows of tall buildings (Others) × In the neighbourhood of Johannesburg, throwing furniture out of windows of tall buildings has been voted one of the strangest New Year traditions worldwide. The act symbolises casting away the old in favour of the new, letting go of past sorrows for a more hopeful time.

Strange New Year traditions around the world you didn't know about