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
