New Year’s traditions around the world vary widely, reflecting different cultures’ unique customs and beliefs. In Spain, the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight is believed to bring good luck for each month of the coming year. This custom originated in the 1800s when Madrid’s bourgeoisie adopted it from France, and later, grape growers in Alicante and Murcia popularized it in 1909 due to a bumper crop. Another theory suggests it dates back centuries, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.

In Greece, onions are hung on doors to promote growth and ward off evil. This is accompanied by the cutting of the "vasilopita," a good luck cake containing a hidden coin, which is said to bring fortune to the person who finds it. The custom honors Saint Basil, the Christian bishop and theologian.

In Japan, New Year's celebrations include the ringing of temple bells 108 times, symbolizing the 108 earthly desires and anxieties in Buddhism. People also visit shrines for blessings and eat soba noodles to symbolize leaving behind past hardships.

Germany celebrates with “Bleigießen,” where molten lead or tin is poured into cold water to form shapes, which are then interpreted as predictions for the future. Lastly, in Scotland, the tradition of "First Footing" suggests that the first visitor after midnight will determine the luck of the year. The Scots also celebrate with the song "Auld Lang Syne" to mark the New Year.