Superstitions have existed for centuries! And no matter how much the new generations try to get rid of them, for people who have followed them for decades, they are an active part of their traditions and even their lives. In fact, so many people from the younger generation also catch up with these superstitions, and all this is just to try their luck! For example, the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes under the table on New Year’s Eve is quickly catching up with millennials and Gen Z.
The origins of New Year’s superstitions
Any prejudice arises as a means to either prevent people from taking action or encourage them to look for the positive. And frankly, many of them have a placebo effect. When someone drinks warm water with lemon added to it in accordance with the belief that it will bring him good luck, he begins to notice even small positive moments in life, and thus the superstition spreads!
And with the New Year, as society developed, some superstitions of that period appeared. Sometimes they were just to help people find love, and sometimes they were to sell the year’s excess grape harvest.
Here we mention some famous ones New Year’s superstitions from all over the world.
Grapes from Spain
One of Spain’s most iconic New Year’s traditions is to eat twelve grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock. Known as “Las Doce Uvas de la Suerte”, this tradition is believed to bring good luck in each month of the following year.
And although today people do it wholeheartedly to find love and luck, many argue that this custom was a marketing ploy by the grape farmers.
Scotland’s first pillar
It is a well-known Scottish tradition or superstition that the first person to enter a house after midnight is the “first footer” and he or she will decide the fate of the house for the year.
Traditionally, a tall, dark-haired man carrying gifts such as coal, bread, or whiskey is considered the ideal opening header.
They hang bows on doors in Greece
A famous New Year’s tradition in Greece is to hang a bow on the door, which is considered a symbol of growth, even in the most difficult conditions.
It is believed that just as the onion gives sprouts even when neglected, so the New Year should bring strength and power to rise even in difficult situations.
Do not sweep success!
Chinese New Year, which is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, has a unique tradition and superstition. Before the beginning of the New Year, people clean their houses from foot to foot, clean and dust off the negativity and mustiness of the past year.
But do not sweep the house after the New Year, in the first days of the year, so as not to accidentally sweep away happiness.
Ring the bell 108 times
In Japan, Buddhist temple bells are rung 108 times at midnight, a tradition called Joya no Kane. Many believe that when these huge bells are rung 108 times, the resulting vibrations will eliminate all human suffering, material desires and give the universe a new beginning.
Smashing plates in Denmark
In Denmark, there is a funny belief about leaving the negativity of the past year behind and wishing for good luck in the coming year.
People bang plates at home and at neighbors to ward off evil spirits and attract good luck.
Walks with a suitcase
If you’re looking to travel more next year, Mexico might have the perfect tradition for you!
In Colombia, Mexico and many other countries, people who want to travel more in the coming year take an empty suitcase and walk around the block with it right after the clock strikes 12.
