Countries around the world ring in the new year with unique customs and traditions, often carried out at the strike of midnight. We rounded up ways to bring international New Year's Eve experiences to you.
Japan: Eat toshikoshi soba.
Shiwasu is the end-of-the-year period in Japan, filled by many traditions like traveling to see family and thoroughly cleaning your home. To celebrate New Year's Eve, people eat toshikoshi soba, which can symbolize having a long and lucky life along with a clean break from the year.
Spain: Eat 12 grapes.
The tradition of eating grapes for good luck began in Spain, but it is now practised around the world. When the clock starts ringing at midnight, eat one grape with each ring. It's even luckier if you're wearing special New Year's Eve underwear while eating your grapes. A pair of red underwear can bring you a new year of love, while yellow may bring joy and good luck.
Denmark: Jump off a chair.
In Denmark, one does not simply let the new year happen. You go on the offense(讨厌的东西) and jump into it. Just before midnight, stop what you're doing and get on a chair to do the jump like a Dane would. Should you forget to jump, it's said that you'll bring bad luck for the following year, so please, we are begging you—do not forget to jump.
Russia: Burn, then drink, your wishes.
After a year of unrealized dreams and plans, set your sights on a fresh start with this Russian tradition. Before midnight, write down your wishes for 2023 on a piece of paper, then light the paper on fire. Once it's stopped burning, sprinkle(洒) the wish-filled ashes into a glass of wine and drink up after the clock strikes midnight.
