What do you generally do when the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve? Usually, I just celebrate by cutting a cake. This year I wanted to do something different.
People around the world do different things at 12 o’clock.
In Denmark, people stand on their chairs and literally “leap” into January at midnight, to banish the bad spirits, and bring good luck. They also smash plates and cutlery at the doors of their friends and family, for good luck.
People in Spain try to eat 12 grapes in the first 12 seconds of the new year, one for each month of the year. It is believed to bring luck and prosperity. But, if they are unable to eat them, they believe they’ll face misfortune in the new year.
People in Columbia carry empty suitcases and run around the building, in the hope of a travel filled new year. (Let’s hope that in 2021 we can travel more)
Puerto Ricans throw buckets of water out of their windows to ward off evil spirits. They also sprinkle sugar on their doorstep for good luck.
Some people believe that keeping the windows open at midnight will send the old year out, and let the new year in. On my part, I’ll be sure to open my windows tonight š
So, which tradition did you find the most interesting? The Spanish tradition intrigued me the most. I’m going to try eating 12 raisins (it’s not grape season here sadly :/) at 12, and hope for good luck x)
Let’s hope that 2021 will be a better year for us!