RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR RIGHT
Popular New Year's Eve Traditions
- Countdown and Toast: One of the most universal traditions is the countdown to midnight. People gather, whether in public squares or at private parties, to count down the last seconds of the year and then raise a toast to the New Year with a glass of champagne or other beverages.
- 12 Grapes at Midnight: In Spain and some Spanish-speaking countries, it's customary to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, each grape representing a month of the coming year. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for each month.
- Hoppin' John: A traditional Southern dish that is often enjoyed on New Year's Day in the United States, especially in the Southern states. It's believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
- Smashing Pomegranates: In Greece, it's a tradition to smash a pomegranate against the front door on New Year's Day. The number of seeds that scatter represents the prosperity the year will bring.
