Superstitions and practices to attract good luck in the year to come are very common in all cultures around the world. In Brazil, many people: skip 7 waves while ordering, wear underwear of a specific color to attract something they want (ex: yellow panties/underpants to attract money) or don't give up wearing white clothes. However, various cultures have their own practices. Discover some of the New Year's superstitions.
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New Year's Superstitions in Cultures Around the World
Welcoming a new year is always a moment of relaxation, hope, motivation and joy. Therefore, when the clock strikes midnight and fireworks begin to explode in the sky, it's time to mentalize and ask for much prosperity for the new year. It is also at this time that people around the world follow ancient superstitions passed down from generation to generation. These are the most common:
Eating grapes at midnight
Spain and countries colonized by it, like Chile, usually eat 12 grapes during New Year's Eve – one grape for each bell. To attract good luck and prosperity, people need to finish eating all the grapes before the clock stops ticking. In Chile, according to popular belief, a sweet grape symbolizes a good month, while a bitter grape means a difficult new month.
Jumping out of chair and throwing dishes at neighbors' house on eve
If you're new to Denmark, it can be a little scary dealing with friendly neighbors throwing dishes at your door. However, this is something positive: for them, throwing old dishes at the neighbors' door is a demonstration of friendship and loyalty and attracts bonanza for everyone. At New Year's Eve, they also have the habit of jumping from chairs.
throw furniture
In Johannesburg, the turning point symbolizes renewal and the time to expel all that is unwanted in your life. Therefore, they take advantage of this moment to throw old furniture and appliances from home, as a way of protesting against old and useless things for their future.
