New Year's Around The World

by Bridget Levin, Tastemaker in Residence

Looking for a NEW way to celebrate the new year? Ring in the new year with an idea from another country, perhaps one from your own ancestry.

Spaniards eat 12 grapes, one with each chime of the midnight clock countdown while making a wish, followed by a late family dinner before heading to the nightclubs.

Greeks break open a pomegranate on their doorsteps before entering the house on New
Year's Day as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

The Japanese eat their favorite noodle, soba, at midnight, when they are called toshi-koshi, meaning from one year to another. Noodles signify longevity and health.

Danes indulge in a cone-shaped cake known as a kransekage, adorned with firecrackers, candy and flags. To assure friendship in the year ahead, plates are thrown upon neighbors' doorsteps at midnight.

Estonians sometimes eat 7, 9, or 12 meals on New Year's Eve for strength in the coming year, but don't finish every bite in order to allow for ancestors to partake.

The Irish hide mistletoe sprigs under their pillows for good luck and a future husband.

Germans eat jam-filled doughnuts and tiny marzipan pigs for good luck and watch the 1920's black and white TV version of Dinner For One.

Puerto Ricans clean their houses and wash away the old by throwing the buckets of water out their windows.

South Africans have been known to throw furniture out of the windows, while most
celebrate with spectacular fireworks displays.

Kick off the new year inspired by celebrations from around the world!