Happy New Year 2019: From Flashing Panties to Throwing Bread Loaves; 5 Most Bizarre Traditions To Welcome New Year From Around the World

The year 2018 has finally ended and here we are at the first day of the month. With new hopes and aspirations, individuals across the world have welcomed another blissful year. People are all in their crazy mood, noting down their Happy New Year resolutions, hoping to achieve at least one of them in 2019. On January 1, individuals around the globe will observe the New Year in different ways and traditions. Since, it is New Year 2019, we have a look at some of the traditions, as bizarre it might sound, the trends are unique but popular globally that individuals follow to celebrate the festivity, welcoming a fresh start. Check out these amazing weird traditions that people conform to observe the New Year 2019. Which Countries Will Enter New Year 2019 First & Last? 

While some customs like popping champagne, fireworks and counting down the last few seconds seems universal, many countries have their own unique ways to welcome New Year. From throwing bread loaves to flashing their panties; these trends that might sound strange to you are absolutely normal to some nations. So, without any further ado, let's begin. Lucky Foods For 2019: Eat These Food Items For Good Luck and Prosperity in The Oncoming Year. 

1. Mass Kissing

Venice is a romantic place, any time of the year. But on New Year’s Eve in Piazza San Marco, many locals and tourists gather for fireworks, a light show which sees hearts raining down and a kiss in Venice. The evening is all about love and your loved ones. Celebrate with a smooch and welcome the New Year 2019 with happiness in your heart.

2. Tossing the Furniture

In South Africa, ‘Out with the Old’ is the moto, where people throw everything from toasters to fridges to furniture off their balconies. Getting rid of old possessions symbolises a fresh start in the New Year. No matter how much attached you are with your belongings, toss them out of your window. New Year’s Eve at New York City Times Square: NYPD List Items Not Allowed at the Event for NYE 2019 Party Revellers. 

3. Throwing Bread Loaves

Ireland is home to some of the most unusual traditions and superstitions in the world. When it comes to ringing in the New Year, they prefer to banging on doors and walls of the house with Christmas bread to chase the bad luck out of the house and invite the good spirits in.

4. Flashing Underwears

The Latin American countries like Mexico, Bolivia and Brazil made the otherwise innocent New Year’s Eve celebration a little naughty. Tradition dictates that the colour of your panties will determine what kind of year you will have. So, choose carefully! Red will bring love and romance; Yellow leads to wealth and success, White stands for peace and harmony, while Green signifies well-being and nature. In fact, in Turkey, red panties are also presented as gifts for good luck and the promise of a fruitful new year. Lucky Fruits for 2019: Eat These Fruits For Prosperity, Good Luck and Wealth on New Year's Eve. 

5. Twelve Grapes of Luck

In Spain and a few Latin American countries, one of the New Year’s traditions is to eat 12 grapes, one for each month of the coming year to secure prosperity. But it is not easy as it sounds! You need to eat one grape with each bell strike at midnight. The favoured way is to take a bite, then swallow the grape halves whole. This tradition dates back to 1909 when vine growers in Alicante, Spain came up with this idea to sell more grapes after an exceptional harvest.

These are a few out of so many weird but equally amusing traditions that are followed during New Year’s Eve. Enjoy the evening with various trends and celebrations and have a joyous New Year 2019.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2019 09:09 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).