New Year's Eve: Traditions and Celebrations

Explication : In Italy, lentils are eaten because their round shape resembles coins. This tradition symbolizes the hope for financial prosperity in the new year.

Explication : In Spain, tradition calls for eating 12 grapes at the 12 strokes of midnight, one for each month of the coming year. Each grape represents a wish for the following months.

Explication : In Brazil, wearing pink or red underwear on New Year's Eve is believed to attract love and passion. White, on the other hand, symbolizes peace and purification.

Explication : The Champs-Élysées in Paris welcomes hundreds of thousands of people each year to celebrate New Year's Eve. It is the largest public gathering in France for this occasion.

Explication : In Denmark, breaking dishes in front of friends' doors is a sign of affection and brings good luck. The more broken pieces in front of your door, the more popular you are!

Explication : 'Auld Lang Syne' is a traditional Scottish song popularized by Robert Burns in the 18th century. The lyrics evoke memories of the past and enduring friendship.

Explication : In Russia, it is traditional to write your wishes on paper, burn it, and mix the ashes into champagne that you drink just after midnight so that the wishes come true.

Explication : In the Philippines, round patterns like polka dots are considered lucky because they resemble the shape of coins, thus symbolizing financial prosperity.

Explication : In South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg, there is a tradition of throwing old objects out of windows to symbolize letting go of the past and welcoming the new year.

Explication : Champagne has become the emblematic drink of New Year's Eve in France. This tradition developed in the 19th century, with champagne symbolizing celebration and French elegance.

Explication : Fireworks traditionally symbolize joy, hope, and renewal. They spectacularly mark the transition to the new year and symbolically chase away evil spirits.

Explication : Sydney is one of the first major cities in the world to celebrate New Year due to its time zone. Its pyrotechnic show around the Opera House and Harbour Bridge is world-famous.