Top 15 Most Unique and Bizarre New Year's Traditions Around the World

In Ecuador, there is a popular tradition inspired by the saying, "A day’s journey teaches a thousand lessons." People walk around with an empty suitcase, believing it will set the stage for many enriching travels and new experiences in the upcoming year.

On New Year’s Eve in Denmark, the sound of plates breaking at someone's doorstep is considered a good omen. People throw plates at the doors of their friends and loved ones, and the more plates that break, the more luck the household is believed to receive in the coming year.

This tradition originates in Spain. On New Year's Eve, people eat exactly 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. They believe that each grape brings good fortune and prosperity for the coming year. The 12 grapes symbolize the 12 months of the year, and the sweet taste of the fruit is said to represent the good things to come.

In Russia, people write down their New Year’s wishes on small pieces of paper and burn them at midnight. The ashes are then placed into glasses of champagne, and everyone drinks from these special glasses to welcome the New Year with hopes of good fortune.

On New Year's Eve, Brazilians often head to the beaches, where they believe that jumping over seven waves honors the sea goddess Yemanja. They trust that this ritual will bring good fortune and blessings for the coming year.

Hogmanay is a thrilling and perilous New Year’s celebration in Scotland, held annually on December 31st. During this event, men march through the streets holding blazing fireballs that are passed around on their heads. The locals believe that the fiery glow purifies, sweeps away misfortune, and brings in the light of a new year. This tradition dates back to the Viking era.

The people of Greece believe that hanging a single onion on the door on New Year’s Eve symbolizes rebirth. The next morning, parents will lightly tap the onion on the heads of their children before waking them up to attend church.

In Brazil, people commonly wear white clothing on New Year’s Day to ward off darkness, spirits, and start the new year with success. According to their beliefs, wearing black is considered bad luck at the beginning of the year.

In Switzerland, when the bells ring in the New Year, locals celebrate by throwing cream or a spoonful of cream onto the floor. This unique custom is believed to bring prosperity for the coming year.

Diving into an ice lake with a branch in Siberia, Russia. For the locals, ringing in the New Year means overcoming challenges and showing boundless energy. To celebrate, men dive into a frozen lake with a branch in hand. You might think they're 'crazy', but it's their way of seeking good fortune for the year ahead.

People in Canada, the Netherlands also have a unique New Year's tradition known as 'Polar Bear Plunges', where they jump into the nearest and coldest river, lake, or pond. You can wear clothes or not, but the closer you are to midnight, the luckier you’ll be.

During the Takanakuy festival in Peru, in the town of Chumbivilcas, near Cuzco, people celebrate the New Year in a unique way. The festival, whose name means 'When the blood boils,' involves a martial arts fight (without protective gear) to settle any unresolved issues from the past year. The police act as referees during the event.

However, there's no need to worry, as the purpose of the competition is mainly for fun and not to cause serious injury. The belief is that by engaging in a clean fight, people can resolve their conflicts and ensure a smooth start to the New Year without carrying any grudges.

In Johannesburg, South Africa, at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, people throw old, unwanted household items like TVs, chairs, and other appliances out of their windows. This throwing out of items symbolizes getting rid of the bad luck from the past year, making space for good fortune in the year to come. So, be careful not to wander around outside an apartment building in South Africa during this time!

The people of Turkey believe that wearing red underwear at the start of the New Year brings luck and peace to oneself, loved ones, and those around them. As a result, stores selling red underwear pop up everywhere during this time and they sell out quickly.

In Talca, Chile, locals have a unique tradition of camping at cemeteries during the New Year. This ritual allows them to connect with their ancestors and loved ones who have passed away, marking the transition between the old and new year. It's also a way for them to show respect and gratitude to their deceased relatives.

In Romania, locals have a tradition of listening closely to the breathing of their livestock. If they are lucky enough to hear a soft whispering sound, it is believed to bring good fortune throughout the year.