New Year's Eve, a time of celebration and reflection, is marked by various customs and traditions worldwide. While fireworks, countdowns, and toasting with champagne are commonplace, some cultures embrace unique and offbeat rituals to ring in the New Year. These eccentric practices range from warding off evil spirits to attracting good luck, adding an intriguing twist to the global celebration.

Eating 12 Grapes in Spain: In Spain, it's customary to eat 12 grapesā€”one for each stroke of midnightā€”to usher in good luck for each month of the upcoming year. This tradition, known as "Las doce uvas de la suerte," is believed to bring prosperity and fortune. Money Traditions To Bring In More Money! 5 Rituals Around the World To Attract Good Luck and Prosperity.

Smashing Plates in Denmark: Danish revellers save their broken and unused plates throughout the year and, on New Year's Eve, smash them against the doors of friends and family as a sign of affection. The more shattered dishes one finds on their doorstep, the more loved they are considered.

Wearing Coloured Underwear in Latin America: In several Latin American countries, the colour of one's underwear on New Year's Eve carries significance. Red is believed to bring love, yellow symbolizes prosperity, and white signifies peace and purity, leading to a rush for these coloured undergarments before the celebrations.

Burning Effigies in Ecuador: In Ecuador, life-sized effigies called "AƱos Viejos" representing the old year are burned at midnight to bid farewell to the past and welcome new beginnings. These effigies are often fashioned to resemble disliked politicians or celebrities, creating a spectacle as they go up in flames.

Carrying Empty Suitcases in Colombia: Colombians take a lap around the block carrying empty suitcases on New Year's Eve in hopes of ensuring a year filled with travel and adventure.

These curious and sometimes downright bizarre New Year's Eve traditions highlight the diverse ways cultures across the globe celebrate the turning of the calendar. Whether it's grape-eating, suitcase-carrying, or effigy-burning, these unique rituals add a touch of eccentricity and cultural richness to the festivities, making the transition into the New Year a truly global and intriguing experience.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 31, 2023 10:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).