By: Jada Pan, Staff Writer
On New Year’s Eve as the countdown starts, millions of us in America await the iconic ball drop in Times Square and display of fireworks. While these televised celebrations are broadcast around the world, many cultures also have their own unique New Year’s customs for the year ahead. From eating sugar pigs and 12 grapes to smashing plates, these superstitions are believed to bring good luck to those who follow them. Here’s a look at some interesting superstitions around the globe.
- Eat 12 Grapes at Midnight (Spain and Latin America)
A widespread tradition, many believe that eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight will ensure that good luck stays by their side for all of the 12 months ahead. One must quickly eat a grape for each toll of the bell as each grape represents a wish for the new year ahead. But if they are not all finished before the clock hits 12:01 a.m., the wishes won’t come true! In recent years, this superstition has gone viral on social media, bringing about a new variation where people need to eat their grapes underneath a table to find love in the new year. Either version, make sure to finish the grapes in time!
- Wear Polka Dots (The Philippines)
In the Philippines, wearing polka dots is believed to bring financial success for the new year. The circular shape of these dots signifies wealth and abundance, as they look similar to coins. To attract prosperity and good fortune, people wear shirts, dresses, pants, and other clothes with polka-dot patterns. Similarly, many families also display round fruits at the center of the table, 12 different fruits such as grapes, oranges, and melons for each month. Pineapples and jackfruit, fruits that have spikes, are thought to bring problems, so stick to the round ones that bring wealth.
- Hide a Coin in the Dessert (Greece)
On New Year’s Eve, a special dessert called Vasilopita is served—but with a coin hidden inside. A sweet bread or cake depending on the region, a coin is hidden inside the dough before it is baked. Then, at midnight, the family comes together to cut the vasilopita, blessing everyone with good luck for the year ahead. Whoever receives the slice with the coin is said to be blessed with lots of luck and good fortune, for the coin symbolizes prosperity. Traditionally, the vasilopita is served from youngest to eldest as everyone anticipates the discovery of the coin with excitement.
- Smash Plates (Denmark)
An old tradition in Denmark, smashing plates on New Year’s Eve is symbolic of removing old bad luck and welcoming a new start. Friends and family gather together to throw plates and dishes against their front door, as the shattering sounds drive away evil spirits. The plate smashing is said to make space for the new, as the new year ushers in a fresh start with more opportunities and good fortune. More broken dishes at your front door means more luck to you in the new year! In addition, do note that these dishes are collected over the year, either unwanted or cheaply bought.
- Eat a Sugar Pig (Germany)
In Germany, one of the most popular New Year’s traditions is to eat a marzipan pig. Commonly received as gifts, these almond-sugar pigs are eaten to symbolize financial success and prosperity. According to Germanic superstitions, pigs represent good luck, a rich harvest, and the abundance that the year will hold. Having a marzipan pig means to have good luck in the next 12 months.
These global New Year’s superstitions reflect the universal desire for a lucky and prosperous year ahead. Whether it’s with food, fashion, or other customs to ring in good luck, we are reminded of how the new year is a time for celebration and hope.
