New Years Eve Traditions - Around the World

New Years is an ancient tradition first celebrated in Babylon about 4000 years ago. Today there are a vast array of New Years traditions. Here are some from around the world: 

In America we celebrate with fireworks, both large displays in the larger cities and small private displays. In New York at Times Square a large ball is dropped at midnight. In Seattle, Washington the space needle is lit up with fireworks. Both of these displays are broadcast through out the US on television. People attend parties with friends, family, or have small celebrations in their homes.

Iceland - Bonfires are lit and people gather around to watch musical events, shows, and eat. They also celebrate with fireworks.

In the Philippines they wear clothing with polka dots or similar patterns to attract money. They also wear something bright in celebration of a new year. They serve circularly shaped fruit, make loud noises at midnight, and jump to increase their height.

In Russia they tell stories from the past year. Try to enter the new year without debts. And they believe if the first visitor you have after the new year is a man then it will be a good year.

Australia - Grand firework displays are lit in Sidney and Melbourne. The one in Sidney is broadcast around the world. At midnight all of the televisions and radios broadcast a ringing bell and then play a waltz. And people dance to this waltz.

In Brazil they dress in white to bring good luck. They light Fireworks, jump over seven waves and throw flowers into the Ocean. Some light candles in the sand.

Canada - There are late night celebrations and fireworks in Canada. In some areas people ice fish until well after midnight.

In Mexico 12 grapes are eaten while making 12 wishes. And they ring a bell 12 times. Yellow underwear are worn if the person desires success in the coming year, red if they desire love.

And sheep dolls are hung on the doorknobs to bring prosperity.

Ecuador has one of the most interesting traditions. They dress up a home made dummy stuffed with newspapers and fireworks and set it outside their door. The dummy represents something bad that happened in the last year. At midnight they light the dummy on fire and watch it burn and ignite fireworks.  They also eat 12 grapes and dress in colored underwear like Mexico. And they walk around the block with a suitcase representing a happy adventure in the year to come.

Greece - Gifts are exchanged at midnight and a traditional New Years cake is served. They invite one person they believe is lucky into their home.  And St. Basil gives Children gifts in their shoes.

In China they say Congratulations and be prosperous. Congratulations,  because according to old traditions there was a dragon that roamed the streets eating people. So the congratulations was for having survived the year. Today this is celebrated with a dragon dance preformed by several men in a dragon costume. They also decorate a "money" tree with coins and paper flowers. 

In Japan they clean their homes all day on New Years Eve and at midnight ring a bell 108 times.

And last but not least! In Denmark people save up old plates, bowls, and other dishes. And on new years eve throw them at their friends homes for good luck. 

Happy New Years!