Bizarre New Year celebrations in the world

Mumbai Mirror

We take a look at some of the oddest New Year celebrations from around the world

Germany and Austria

Germans and Austrians celebrate the New Year with 'lead pouring', a tradition in which molten lead is 'read' like tea leaves. A small amount of lead is melted in a tablespoon and then poured into a bowl or bucket of water. The resulting pattern is interpreted to predict the coming year. For instance, if the lead forms a ball, that means luck will roll your way. The shape of an anchor means you will eventually need help, while a cross signifies death.

Denmark

A strange Danish New Year tradition is throwing dishes at your neighbour's door. The family with the largest collection of broken plates, glasses, cups and other crockery is considered to be lucky because it means that they have lots of loyal friends.

Spain

Las doce uvas de la buena suerte, or the 12 grapes of good luck, is a Spanish tradition. At the stroke of midnight, Spaniards eat one grape for each chime. Each grape is supposed to represent good luck for each month of the coming year. After all the intense partying, Spaniards wake up to a traditional winter breakfast of hot chocolate and pastries.

Chile

After the New Year's mass in Talca, Chile, residents head to the graveyard, set up their chairs and wait for the stroke of midnight to celebrate the New Year with those no longer with us.

Mexico

Residents of Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia and other South American states welcome the New Year by wearing colorful underwear - mainly red or yellow - past midnight to catch good luck for the coming year. Yellow underwear is for those who desire wealth and prosperity; red is for those seeking love in the new year.

Greece

Greeks bake the traditional cake Vasilopita on New Year's Day. Inside the cake is a coin or some other prize. The Vasilopita is then cut into slices and given to everyone in the house in order, from oldest to youngest. Whoever ends up with the coin in their piece is supposed to have good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

Source: Bizarre New Year celebrations in the world