Curious New Year’s Eve traditions from Europe

Eating a marzipan pig, playing cards or wearing red underwear: all in the name of luck

The diversity and cultural richness of the European people are immeasurable and it is hardly possible to describe all traditions relative to the New Year's Eve celebrations, without missing something. We have previously alluded to some commonly popular activities in various European Union countries on this very special night, marking the passage between the past and a hopeful future. So, let us recall some of the curious habits of the people from the Old Continent regarding that celebration.

Giving whiskey and a lump of coal in Scotland

Scots call the New Year’s Eve - Hogmanay - and they have celebrated it for centuries. This day is the quintessence of a cycle of celebrations marking the passage between the old and the new year its celebration is considered essential for the next 365 days. Here is why the first person to set foot at home is very important and must carry gifts like food, whiskey and coal, so that the next year will be beneficial and fortunate.

Finnish tin melting

A sign for the direction and “shape” that the coming year will take is the mark of traditional Finnish New Year celebrations. A person would pour melted tin into a bucket of cold water and the randomly produced shape is used to interpret and predict his fortune. Usually horseshoes are used for this ritual.

Never finish your meals in Estonia

In Estonia, it is customary to have a lucky number of meals for dinner – seven, nine or twelve as this will give you the strength of the respective number of men. However, one should not finish their meals completely, as some food should be left as a gesture of courtesy to the spirits of those who are no longer among us.

Eat a marzipan pig in Germany

Pigs are considered lucky-charms on this day in Germany, therefore – pork shall be consumed if one wants to be successful during the new year. The marzipan pig is a vegetarian, and а particularly delicious, sweet alternative.

Eating twelve grapes in Spain

Another deep-rooted tradition comes from Spain, namely to eat twelve grapes at midnight for every lucky month of the next year. What is particularly important is to eat them one by one in beat with the clock's chime. So right after midnight, do not rush to cheer and send best wishes to your friends – first, eat your grapes.

Eating ice cream in France

An abundant and exquisite dinner table is among the essential characteristics of a French celebration. The fact that it is winter can never stop a French person to have a nice dessert, even if it is a cold one. Naturally, the holiday dinner includes an ice cream cake – gateau glacé – decorated with winter symbols for good luck.

Smash a pomegranate and play cards in Greece

Greece has its own symbols of good fortune, one of which is playing cards. Therefore, hours of playing are perfectly excusable on New Year’s Eve, as they bring joy and happiness to the home. As for the pomegranate, it is a long-standing symbol of prosperity and this is why it should be smashed and, hopefully, it will be filled with seeds.

Wearing red underwear in Italy

Finally, another custom which supposedly brings luck is wearing red underwear in Italy. It is hard to explain why and how this begun, but it is safe to assume that since Italy is a world-renowned fashion destination they probably know something we do not about the right choice of clothing. Let's just believe it and rush to the shop for some red socks - one does not want to miss out an opportunity to wager for a better 2021!