New Year's celebrations are rich with diverse traditions that reflect the cultural tapestry of societies worldwide. In Spain, it's customary to eat 12 grapes at midnight, each symbolizing good luck for the months ahead.

In Italy, wearing red underwear is believed to bring love and prosperity in the coming year.

In Denmark, residents leap off chairs at midnight, literally "jumping" into the new year to ward off bad spirits.

In the Philippines, round shapes are thought to bring prosperity; thus, many wear polka dots and consume round fruits like grapes and oranges.

In Brazil, people dress in white for peace and jump over seven ocean waves, making a wish with each leap.

In Colombia, carrying an empty suitcase around the block is believed to ensure a travel-filled year.

In Greece, an onion is hung on the front door as a symbol of rebirth, and children are tapped on the head with it to wake them on New Year's Day.

In Scotland, the first person to cross a home's threshold after midnight, known as "first-footing," brings gifts for luck.

In Japan, families visit temples to exchange last year's lucky charms for new ones and enjoy traditional foods like prawns and herring roe, symbolizing long life and fertility.

In Mexico, people walk around with an empty suitcase to invite a year filled with travel and new experiences.

In Cuba, throwing a bucket of water out the front door symbolizes the cleansing of the past year's negative energy.

These varied customs highlight the universal desire to usher in the new year with hope, prosperity, and positive intentions, each culture adding its unique flavor to the global celebration.