This year I get to end the year with family and fun New Year’s traditions from around the world. While not every family member is able to join due to COVID, they will be here in spirit.
Some of our annual traditions include:
| South | Eating Hopin’ John |
| Greece | Set an extra place setting |
| Ireland | Banging bread on Walls |
| Germany, Finland | Molybdomancy (melting tin) |
| Israel | Throw bread crumbs in a river to cast out errors |
| Japan | Slurp soba noodles without them breaking |
| Scandinavia | Almond in rice pudding |
| Panama | Burn effigies |
| Equador, Hungry | Scarecrow Burning, “Jack Straw” |
| Cuba, Puerto Rico | Throw water out the window or back door |
| Colombia | Run down the street with empty suitcases |
| Scotland | Flaming Sticks |
| Denmark | Jump Off Chair |
| Colombia | Run Around Neighborhood with suitcase |
| Spain | Eat 12 Grapes |
| Equador | Hide cash around the house |
| Japan | Laugh at Midnight |
| Mexico, Brazil, Bolivia | Wear Yellow Underwear |
| Phillipines | Polka Dots |
| Italy, Denmark | Breaking Dishes |
| Germany | Watch “Dinner For One |
| Celtic | Light Candle at Dusk and burn through the night |
| Romania | Wear a Bear |
| Ireland, Cuba, Austria | Eat Pork |
| Mexico | Hang a wool lamb from the door |
| Colorado , New Mexico | Sing dandos los Dias |
| Various Latin countries | Handling silver |
| Netherlands, Mexico, greece | Ring Shaped Pasteries |
| Japan | Daruma Dolls |
| Dollar in Lentils | |
| Greece | Hang an Onion over the door and wake your children with it |
| Greece | Play a gambling card game |
Each of these traditions are said to bring luck to those who observe them.
Most importantly, never eat chicken on New Year’s Day. Because it has wings, your good luck can literally fly away.
Swimming Upstream 