New Year's Eve Traditions Around The World

As 2020 draws near, we not only look forward to a new year but a brand new decade too. Moments such as these are also simultaneous with fresh starts, and are when one looks forward to a chance for new beginnings and a brighter future. While we prepare for the festivities that'll ensue, Philippine Tatler takes a look at some of the interesting ways people all over celebrate the start of something new.

SCOTLAND | Balls of fire are swung over heads and thrown into the sea to ward off evil spirits.

NORTH AMERICA | A midnight kiss with someone special is customary to set the tone for coming year.

JAPAN | It is in Buddhist tradition for bells to be rung 108 times to get rid of human sins.

ARMENIA | Pomegranates are thrown on the ground for good luck.

DENMARK | Smashing plates on a friend’s doorstep is meant to symbolise good fortune in the new year.

GREECE | An onion is hung on one’s front door to symbolise rebirth. Children are woken up by parents tapping onions on their heads.

PHILIPPINES | Round fruits, prints, and even pennies are worn and displayed in hopes of prosperity in the new year.

SIBERIA | Those brave enough to plunge icy depths plant trees under frozen lakes for the coming of Father Frost.

SPAIN | Eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight for good luck in the year to come.

Photo 1 of 10 SCOTLAND | Balls of fire are swung over heads and thrown into the sea to ward off evil spirits.

Photo 2 of 10 NORTH AMERICA | A midnight kiss with someone special is customary to set the tone for coming year.

Photo 3 of 10 JAPAN | It is in Buddhist tradition for bells to be rung 108 times to get rid of human sins.

Photo 4 of 10 ARMENIA | Pomegranates are thrown on the ground for good luck.

Photo 5 of 10 DENMARK | Smashing plates on a friend’s doorstep is meant to symbolise good fortune in the new year.

Photo 6 of 10 GREECE | An onion is hung on one’s front door to symbolise rebirth. Children are woken up by parents tapping onions on their heads.

Photo 7 of 10

Photo 8 of 10 PHILIPPINES | Round fruits, prints, and even pennies are worn and displayed in hopes of prosperity in the new year.

Photo 9 of 10 SIBERIA | Those brave enough to plunge icy depths plant trees under frozen lakes for the coming of Father Frost.

Photo 10 of 10 SPAIN | Eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight for good luck in the year to come.

Tatler Asia

New Year's Eve Traditions Around The World