Ringing in 2018: Strange New Year's Eve Traditions from Around the World

How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve? Two things that are usually done in the United States are a resolution to commit to in the next year and, of course, a kiss at the stroke of midnight. At Ecophiles we wanted to explore the other side of things, the traditions that no one hears about but are lovely to discover when you travel. So, here are some strange, crazy traditions from around the world to celebrate the coming of a new year and a new beginning:

Australia and New Zealand: Bang Away the Bad Juju with Pots and Pans at Midnight

The act of banging pots and pans together is a sign of good luck at the stroke of midnight. The loud noise and action helps to chase away bad “juju,” such as evil spirits, bad acts, and to chase the devil away. Try not to get a noise complaint filed against you! And, if you do, tell them it’s for a good cause and keep banging those pots and pans. #noshame

Bahamas: What’s a Junkanoo?

The people of the Bahamas claim that they haven’t needed an excuse to party for well over 500 years. But when you travel here, ask the folks how the Bahamas Junkanoo Tradition got started and they’ll all tell you a different story; many believe it was established by a fabled West African Prince who outmaneuvered the English and became a local hero. Others believe it came from the French ‘gens inconnus,’ which translates to ‘unknown’ or ‘masked people.’ Either way, the parade/carnival makes it a brilliant time to travel here.

Junkanoo Festivities. Photo: Cathy T via Flickr

The most popular belief, however, is that it developed from the days of slavery. The late 18th century brought many enslaved people who were given three days off at Christmas, which they celebrated by singing and dancing in colorful masks, travelling from house to house, sometimes even on stilts. Junkanoo nearly vanished after slavery was abolished, but then revived in the form of a festival in the Bahamas and entertains thousands; the biggest parade is in Nassau.

Junkanoo Parade- Bahamas New Years Eve Parade

Photo: Cathy T via Flickr

Colombia: Walk Around with an Empty Suitcase

In Colombia, people walk around in a circle, or the block, or all day, with an empty suitcase. Some people care “what the neighbors think” and they will just leave an empty suitcase outside their door. This is done to bring prosperity and travel into their New Year. This “superstition” is believed to work, and the more you walk, the more you travel. So if you are going to try this one out for size this year: walk, walk, walk. Ignore the pain! Think of this as a way to get that New Year’s Eve bod you’ve always wanted while, at the same time, making sure your the next year starts off clean, without the superstition. Your feet definitely won’t “thank you.” But, try it! Maybe?

Photo:The Digital Way via Pixabay

Mexico: Eat 12 Grapes and Burn “Muñecos”

It is believed that if one eats 12 grapes, a grape signifying 1 month of the year and 1 wish for each of them as well. You may be puzzled to see the produce section barren like you have never seen before around this time of year if you travel to Mexico. But it isn’t for the love of grapes. It is a tradition, one that started and was brought over from Spain. As the clock strikes midnight, that is when you begin. In fact, the taste of each one represents something. For instance, sour means a bad month and sweet equals a good month. Let’s hope all of them are sweet!

Burn Those Muñecos. Photo: Javier Delgado via Flickr

Another tradition you’ll see if you travle to Mexico is burning “muñecos” – Spanish for “doll.” These dolls are effigies of people who played a rather large role in news, politics, or even one’s personal life during the preceding year and is how some citizens signify “doing away with the old, and bringing in the new.” Does anyone come to mind? The muñecos are displayed after Christmas and then burned in a bonfire. Travel to Mexico for to experience this tradition!

Photo: Dennis Hill via Flickr

Finland: Prediction with Metal Casting

Similar to a “MidSummer’s Night,” New Year’s Eve has traditionally been one of the best times in the year for fortune telling and predicting the future; it is one’s biggest goal to secure good fortune or get a glimpse of the good fortune to come. One of the more popular activities performed is the casting of tin. Everyone gets a small piece of tin, cast in the shape of a miniature horseshoe, a conventional symbol of good luck.

Fortunes Told. Photo: Ariel Grimm via Flickr

The horseshoe is then melted down and the liquid metal poured quickly in a bucket or cup of cold water, making it harden almost immediately into an irregular-shaped “clump.” This clump is then examined by their owner and is said to predict how their New Year will be. Each shape of tin has a different meaning, but they all point to either good or bad fortune. Travel here to see what the hype is all about.

Photo: Aapo Haapanen via Flickr

Japan: 108 Bells and Mount Fuji

At midnight on December 31^st, New Year’s Eve, temples all over Japan begin to ring their bells a total of 108 times to symbolize 108 human sins (believed in the Buddhist tradition) and to get rid of the 108 “worldly desires” in every Japanese citizen. There is even a “Watched Night Bell” in Tokyo, which has become a major attraction.

They also believe that catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji on the first sunrise of the year is incredibly good luck. Travel to Japan to cleanse yourself in nature on New Year’s Eve!

Photo: Kanenori via Pixabay

Brazil: Jumping Seven Waves and Wearing White

In Brazil, it is believed that if you jump seven waves, one for each day of the week, it will bring good luck to you in the next year. Since Brazil is on the other side of the globe, their fresh start falls in the summer, which makes sense with the dip. They will also wear all white all day to try to cleanse or keep away bad spirits. For those of you in the Southern Hemisphere, this is something you could definitely try or add to your travel list of “to do’s” for your time of resolution. Jump into the New Year with 7 waves on your travels to Brazil!

7 Waves. Photo: Stefan Krasowski via Flickr

Chile: Graveyard Camping

Locals in Chile will gather in a graveyard for a NYE slumber party with their departed lovers to welcome the New Year in on a good note. While this may seem kind of grim for people who have not celebrated this tradition, the people who do practice it say that slumbering with their loved ones brings peace and sometimes even luck. If you are planning on trying this out this year, Ecophiles just wants to make sure that you do not go alone because who knows; this place could easily be haunted. New year, new…ghost sighting? Travel to Chile to experience this daring tradition!

Photo: Alberto via Flickr

Denmark: Chair Jumping

Okay, now this tradition is way more cute than graveyard camping. The natives of Denmark stand on chairs and jump off them at the stroke of midnight in harmony, literally jumping forward into the New Year. This tradition is intended to banish evil spirits who will be left behind in the old year. Literally jump into the new with your best leap forward and overthrow any troubles the New Year may bring.

Photo: Erin Baker via Flickr

Russia: Wishes Written Down; Burned to Drink the Ashes

In Russia, everyone gets a piece of paper and a writing utensil and a glass filled with any drink and candles are lit. When the last countdown to midnight start, Russians have to quickly write down their wish, burn the paper, and drink the ashes in unison with those around them. The whole drink must be finished, but once completed, it is believed to guarantee the wish comes true. Give it go at midnight this New Year’s Eve!