Best New Year Traditions From Around the World to Bring All the Luck

Everyone can use some good luck and good fortune in 2023.

Every country has its own ways of welcoming the new year and following through with traditions to bring good luck for the rest of the new year. And there is nothing to lose, but there might be fortune and prosperity to gain if these traditions are followed.

Thus, as Good Housekeeping encouraged, "No matter how you choose to celebrate New Year's Eve, whether it's with a lavish New Year's Eve dinner, a quiet night at home watching New Year's movies or a thoughtful planning session centered around making New Year's wishes, see if you can fold in one of these good lucky New Year's traditions from around the world because we could all benefit from some fortune coming our way!"

12 best new year traditions for good luck:

1. Eat everything that is round.

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Many countries believe that round foods on the dining table during New Year's Eve can lead to prosperity as round represents coins or money. In Italy, they serve lentils, while in the Philippines, they make sure that there are 12 round fruits on their "media noche" to ensure abundance for all 12 months of the year.

2. Wear polka dots.

Also, in the Philippines, they believe that it's not just the round fruits or chocolates that bring good fortune but also the circles they can wear. Thus, they dress in polka dots to impress and welcome the new year.

3. Have Hoppin' John on New Year's Day.

Make and eat this dish on the first day of the year. It is believed that one will experience luck, peace, and even prosperity for the rest of the year.

According to History, Hoppin' John's ingredients - collard greens and cornbread, are believed to represent coins and paper money. Some families even place a penny underneath the dishes or add more pork to bring more luck.

4. Wear white.

If Filipinos wear polka dot-printed outfits, Brazilians make it easier for everyone to choose a New Year's Eve outfit. It is as simple as wearing white for good luck and peace.

5. Jump seven waves.

Also, in Brazil, they make sure to head to the beach and jump over seven waves, as this can increase their luck. And, as they jump on each wave, they have one wish.

6. Put fish on the menu.

Fish should be part of the family's New Year's entrée. It is believed that since a fish gets to swim in only one direction, it signifies moving forward for the new year.

7. Make resolutions.

This tradition went way back 4,000 years ago. Historians believe that Babylonians were one of the first cultures to celebrate the changing of the year by making promises to pay debts or return borrowed objects.

8. Smash a plate.

In Denmark, people go around breaking plates on the doorsteps of friends and family during the new year. Who would have thought that broken dishes are a good thing because the more shards in front of the home the next day, the luckier and more liked the family or person in that home.

9. Eat 12 grapes.

Eat exactly 12 grapes, one at each stroke of midnight, to represent luck and fortune for every month of the New Year. One needs to eat them before the clock stops chiming, or they will face misfortune the entire year.

10. Find your love.

Looking for love in the new year? The Irish suggest a sprig of mistletoe be placed under the pillow on December 31 to dream about love and the future partner.

11. Decorate the front door with hanging onions.

The Greeks believe that onions symbolize good luck and fertility because of their ability to sprout even without anyone paying attention to them. Thus, on New Year's Eve, they hang bundles of onions above their doors to invite prosperity into their homes.

12. Jump into 2023.

The Danes stand on chairs and jump when the clock strikes 12 to bring good luck and banish bad spirits.