Good Luck New Year´s Traditions

Stephanie Esparza, Journalists

   The New Year is coming and it’s time for new beginnings. By the time December 31 comes around, we all want to start fresh and have good luck for the new year. Here are 7 good luck traditions from around the world.

   Romania. To have money in the upcoming year, Romanians have the tradition to put bills under the carpet before the clock hits midnight, which will guarantee a prosperous year ahead. To increase your chances of fortune, wear red underwear and break some glass while saying “Happy New Year.”

  Mexico. To put their past behind them, Mexicans create a human-sized dummy called  “el viejo” (the grandpa) or “año viejo” (past year) that they set on fire at midnight on New Year’s to close an old cycle and start a fresh one.

   Afghanistan. If you want good vibes for the New Year, Afghanistan’s start by engaging in good actions on day one. If you are cooking green things, make sure you wear green clothing. A piece of information is New Year for Afghans is in March, not in December, which is known as Nowruz. 

   Brazil has a tradition for having peace of mind for the New Year by wearing white. Brazilians believe midnight should catch you in the water jumping 7 waves, if you want to increase your chances of success in the New Year. While you are jumping, don’t turn your back to the ocean; otherwise, you will get the opposite effect of good luck.

   The Philippines. FIlipinos wear white clothes with polka dots and jump as much as possible on New Years to bring good luck. Another way to bring good luck is to keep the lights on and have 12 round fruits on the dinner table. Filipinos also scatter coins in every room at midnight to bring prosperity.

   Bolivia. Bolivians eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck. For those who want a year full of travelling, roll a suitcase down the block or around the house. 

   Denmark has the tradition to throw dishes at their friends’ doorsteps on New Year’s Day, which shows how much you value them. Finding lots of broken plates on your doorsteps is believed to guarantee many friends in the New Year. People also stand on chairs and jump off at midnight because jumping into January is believed to keep away bad spirits, and guarantee good luck. 

   All around the world different countries have different New Year traditions. Making each country special and unique with its traditions. What type of New Year traditions do you or your family celebrate?