Strangest and funniest New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world

Drinking champagne, tossing confetti, or blowing loud horns may be the go-to ways to ring in the New Year for many, but around the world, cultures have developed some unique and fascinating traditions to celebrate the occasion. Followers of the social networking site Badoo have highlighted a few of the more “interesting” customs practiced in different countries. Have you ever tried any of these?

1. Spending the Night in a Cemetery – In Talca, Chile, families gather in cemeteries on New Year’s Eve to spend the night with their deceased loved ones. The practice is meant to honor their memory and welcome the New Year in their company.

2. Listening for Animals to Speak – In Romania, some people believe that on New Year’s Eve, animals have the ability to speak. If you manage to hear them, it’s said to bring happiness and good fortune in the coming year.

3. Striking Walls with Bread – In Ireland, a more curious tradition involves banging the walls of the house with loaves of bread. This is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the year ahead.

4. Throwing Furniture Out the Window – In Johannesburg, South Africa, some take the saying “out with the old” quite literally by tossing old furniture out the window. This symbolizes a fresh start, clearing away the old to make space for new opportunities.

5. Jumping into a Frozen Lake with a Tree Trunk – In Siberia, Russia, one of the boldest traditions involves jumping into a frozen lake while carrying a tree trunk. This extreme activity is believed to symbolize strength and endurance for the upcoming year.

6. Wearing Red Underwear for Good Luck – In countries like Spain, Italy, and Mexico, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is considered a symbol of good luck, particularly in matters of love and passion.

These traditions range from spiritual and symbolic to downright daring, offering a fascinating glimpse into the diverse ways people around the world welcome the New Year. Would you consider incorporating any of these into your own celebrations?