In Romania, some believe that tossing coins into the river, brings good luck. Some even use December 31st to predict the coming year’s weather by systematically peeling, salting and reading the skins of 12 onions.
Spain
In Spain, people eat twelve grapes as the clock strikes 1; one for each month of the year. The tradition, believed to bring good luck, can be traced back to the year 1909 when there was a bountiful harvest in the town of Alicante and Alfonso XIII, the Spanish King, gave grapes to his peeps on New Year’s Eve.
Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, they blast car horns and boat whistles, ring church bells and beat drums to make enough noise to drive away evil spirits and demons. In some parts of the country they also throw pails of water from their windows at midnight to chase away the evil eye.
Belgium
In Belgium, farmers wish their livestock happy new year to ensure 365 days of good health and well-being. Belgians are also known to exchange gifts on New Year’s, which they celebrate as Sint Sylvester Vooranvond (St. Sylvester Eve).
France
The French mix health and wealth and usher in the new beginning with a stack of pancakes. Another unique custom in France is kissing under the mistletoe as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, sorta like Christmas traditions elsewhere.
Armenia
In Armenia, a special kind of bread is baked with good luck and best wishes stamped on it. Traditionally, people conduct a ‘Ritual of Fire’ on New Year’s Eve where all troubles pertaining to the old year are symbolically burnt.
Read the full article by David K. Israel and found on MentalFloss.
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