Celebrating all of the possibilities of a New Year is something that has always been exciting to me. Universally, it gives us an opportunity to focus on banishing the old or “unlucky” from the past year and welcoming the new and “lucky of a new year into our lives. I like that globally we are united in a common goal, because everyone wants those good vibes. So if you are looking for some new and fun ways to welcome in the new and lucky to your life, look no further! Here are some ideas from around the globe to help make 2020 the best and most lucky year EVER!
In Spain, it is customary to eat 12 grapes – one at each stroke of the clock at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Each grape represents good luck for one month of the coming year.
In Columbia to welcome a travel-filled new year, residents carry empty suitcases around the block. If traveling is on your radar for 2020, you best be getting out those suitcases!
Eating any ring-shaped treat (such as a doughnut) symbolizes “coming full circle” and leads to good fortune. In Dutch homes, fritters called olie bollen are served. I am totally down for eating doughnuts anytime, so this sounds like the perfect New Year’s good luck tradition! You are welcome family :)
Also in Denmark, people stand on their chairs and “leap” into January at midnight to bring good luck and banish bad spirits. I like this one too, but did I mention how much I REALLY love the doughnut idea?!
In India and Pakistan, rice promises prosperity. Yippee, so bring out the rice! Throw it, eat it and make sure to make wishes for a 2020 full of prosperity!
In Brazil, as well as other Central and South America countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela, it is thought to be lucky to wear special underwear on New Year’s Eve. The most popular colors are red, thought to bring love in the New Year, and yellow, thought to bring money.
In South Africa residents throw old appliances out the window. I have one I would like to do that to, so I am going to keep my finger’s crossed that the hubs will ACTUALLY let me do it! Also I ought to send notices to the neighbors alerting them I will be throwing my dishwasher out the window….
An onion is traditionally hung on the front door of homes on New Year’s Even in Greece as a symbol of rebirth in the New Year. On New Year’s Day, parents wake their children by tapping them on the head with the onion.
In the Philippines, if you crack a window or door on New Year’s Eve, it’s believed that negative energy will leave and good energy will enter. So make sure to open those doors and windows and say hello to those good vibes!
I hope you have enjoyed learning about some of these good luck bringing customs from around the world, and best wishes for a Happy and luck-filled 2020!
Love,
Jen
Comments
Very interesting and truly didn’t know any of the traditions for New Year’s around the globe. So, thanks for educating me a bit here and pinned to refer back to, as well now. Happy New Year!! :)
You know you want to wake your girls up by hitting them with an onion right?!
Happy New Year!
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #196
These are so fun! I do like that donuts idea! ;-) And yes, feel free to throw the dish washer out the window. lol
Happy New Year!
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…My Favorite Books of 2019
Thank you for your support! I just think I might :)
Happy New Year!
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #196
I don’t like onions, but maybe if they’re hung and not eaten, it’s all good!
You know I love doughnuts..
And grapes! Can we use cotton candy grapes? Oh, I hope so!
Hey I am all for a lucky 2020, so yes hanging them will work for me too. I also have them ready to knock my kids in the head on New Years day to wake them up :)
Yes, doughnuts are always lucky right?!
Have a great one!
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #196
Very interesting traditions; I think I could totally get on board with eating a donut!
Joanne recently posted…My December Books
Right?! Happy 2020!
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #196
Hi Jen, eating doughnuts for luck? You can count me in! Does it matter what day in January (or any other month?). I’m not so sure that the Danish tradition sounds so good though, I’d be interested to know how many ankle and foot injuries are seen at A&E on New Year’s Day.
Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy 2020.
Debs xx
We tried it. We were careful. No broken bones.
The doughnuts will be enjoyed all year here with my crew. We ought to be careful and make sure to do as many luck-bringing things as possible right?!
Happy 2020!
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #196