From 12 grapes to red underwear: New Year traditions from across the world
Published on: December 29, 2025 21:38 IST
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Image Source : FreepikAcross cultures, the New Year is welcomed with hope, rituals and symbolism. From food and fire to colours and countdowns, every country celebrates differently. Here’s how the world rings in a fresh start.
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Spain – Eating 12 grapes at midnight: In Spain, people eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight. Each grape represents good luck for one month of the year. Miss one, and tradition says that month may be unlucky.
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Japan – Temple bells for new beginnings: Japanese temples ring bells 108 times on New Year’s Eve. The ritual symbolises cleansing human sins and negative emotions. It marks a calm, reflective start to the year.
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Brazil – Wearing white for peace: In Brazil, people dress in white on New Year’s Eve. The colour symbolises peace, purity and fresh beginnings. Many celebrate by the sea, offering flowers to the ocean.
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Denmark – Breaking plates for luck: Danes throw old plates at the doors of friends and family. More broken plates mean more good luck in the coming year. It’s noisy, messy and surprisingly joyful.
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Italy – Red underwear for good fortune: In Italy, wearing red underwear on New Year's Day is believed to bring luck and love. The colour symbolises passion and vitality. It’s a fun, widely followed superstition.
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Philippines – Circles for prosperity: Filipinos wear polka dots and display round fruits on the New Year. Circles represent coins and financial abundance. The tradition is deeply tied to prosperity beliefs.