International New Year's Customs

Spanish, Japanese, Scottish and Venezuelan Traditions Explored

Dec 18, 2007

Great ideas to add international New Year's customs into your celebration; ideas from Spain, Japan, Scotland, and Venezuela are included.

The New Year is rapidly approaching; now is the time to plan your festivities. If you host a New Year’s celebration, consider adding some of these international New Year’s customs into your party. Be the best party on the block as you go around the world in just one night.

Eat Grapes like the Spanish

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31, Spaniards start to eat grapes. Twelve grapes for twelve chimes of the bell tower; the goal is to have eaten all twelve grapes by the time the 12th bell rings. This tradition was started a long time ago when one of the Kings of Spain had an overabundance of grapes after harvest and decided to give all of his citizens grapes. To this day the tradition continues. When you purchase your party supplies be sure to stock up on grapes, 12 per person, and ring in the New Year like they do in Madrid.

Ring a Bell as they do in Japan

Temples all across Japan ring their bells 108 times on the last night of the year. The bell is rung 108 times in order to dispel of the 108 worldly desires; the 108 worldly desires is a Buddhist philosophy. The Japanese New Year, called Shogatsu, is one of the most sacred of holidays in Japan. Celebrate as the Japanese do and ring your own bell 108 times in honor of Shogatsu.

Purify your Home as the Scottish do

New Year’s Eve, called Hogmanay in Scotland, is a time for cleaning and purifying your house. Many Scots go out after sunset in search of juniper to purify the home. Lighting the juniper branch on fire, and carrying it throughout the house, is thought to rid the house of any impurities. Honor Hogmanay and purify your house with juniper on New Year’s Eve.

Yellow Underwear and Burnt Wishes from Venezuela

The most unusual custom to make this list is the Venezuelan tradition of wearing yellow underwear on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Wearing yellow underwear is thought to bring good luck for the coming year. In addition, Venezuelans write their wishes on paper and then burn them so that they can come true. As you get dressed for your New Year’s party, consider slipping on a pair of yellow underwear to celebrate as the Venezuelans do. As your party gets into full swings pass around pen and paper for everyone to write their wishes on and then collectively burn them, in a safe place of course.

Incorporating customs from these four countries into your New Year’s celebration will keep your partygoers talking. These unique ideas are sure to delight. If you are having a Christmas party, consider implementing a few of these International Christmas Traditions into your celebration. Make your holiday season one that is filled with a bit of international flair.

The copyright of the article International New Year's Customs in Holiday Entertaining is owned by Melissa Hincha-Ownby. Permission to republish International New Year's Customs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.