Forget making the same old New Year’s Resolutions. This year, we’re taking inspiration from good luck traditions around the world…
- Smash plates for your loved ones – Denmark
Danish people visit the homes of their friends and family to smash a plate on each doorstep – the more broken crockery in front of your home on New Year’s Day, the luckier you are. - Jump over 7 waves – Brazil
Head to the beach and jump seven waves to increase your good luck in the new year – you get to make a wish for every wave. - Pack an empty suitcase – Columbia
This tradition sees participants take an empty suitcase and run around the block as fast as they can to ensure a year filled with travels! - Sleep on mistletoe – Ireland
Looking for love? Pop a spring of mistletoe under your pillow on 31st December and rumour has it you’ll dream of your future partner. - Float your wish in the river – Singapore
Hopes and wishes are written on giant white “wishing spheres” and thrown into the Singapore River, where up to 10,000 spheres float gently into the new year. - Burn a scarecrow – Ecuador
Bonfires are a common New Year’s Eve sight in Ecuador, with effigies at the centre – these represent the “año viejo,” or “old year”, burning away any bad events of the previous year and making room for a good year to come. - Go dotty for round things – Philippines
Anything circular is considered good luck at this time of year as it symbolizes money – so eat round fruits, wear polka dots and carry coins to boost your finances in the 12 months ahead. - Hang up some onions – Greece
Onions have long been a symbol of rebirth and development, since this hardy vegetable is excellent at putting down roots – hang a string of onions on your door to promote growth in the new year.
