While we may be separated by time zones and international borders, everyone in the world has a special way of ringing in the new year. Some families countdown until midnight, some eat dinner and drink alcohol, and some watch their favorite movies. However, some traditions can border on the downright bizarre. Here are a few of the strangest, silliest, and most surreal ways that people in other countries celebrate the new year.
Denmark
All year-round, the Danish collect dishes for this peculiar tradition. At the stroke of midnight, they throw dishes at the front door, since supposedly the more dishes you break the more friends you’ll have in the new year. You’d think all the broken dishes would make you unpopular with neighbors, but maybe you make friends cleaning together.
Switzerland
This one might make you scream. In Switzerland, to celebrate the incoming new year, they toss scoops of ice cream to the floor. Perhaps it’s to make the new year a little sweeter, but I’d be a bit more worried about the sweet-loving guests you’re inviting in with that ice cream.
Colombia
To ensure that the next year is full of travel and excitement, the people of Colombia carry empty suitcases all day. The hope is that over the year those will be filled with precious memories, but we all know those will end up being filled with travel clothes and pasalubong.
South Africa
For a South African New Year celebration, one of the most infamous is furniture throwing. Indeed, at the stroke of midnight, the people of Johannesburg toss all their old furniture out the window. While it might be a crossing hazard, they do say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Ireland
Finally, this one might just take the cake. In Ireland, the New Year is spent chasing away ghosts, ghouls, and bad luck by (get a loaf of this) hitting the walls with bread. While it’s meant to encourage good luck, just remember to dust off the flour if you try it yourself.