It's no doubt that 2016 sucked for a lot of us, so with New Year's around the corner, I think we're all in desperate need of a fresh start and some good luck. If you're not one for gathering in the cold with one million other people to watch the ball drop in Time's Square, throw it on the TV and try these other options from around the world to ring in 2017 and celebrate this year finally being over.
1. Eat a pickled Herring
In Germany, Scandinavia, Poland and parts of Italy, eating a pickled herring at the stroke of midnight will guarantee a year of good luck. Pickled herring is a small, shiny, silver fish whose color resembles a coin, which is also believed to bring good fortune. It can be pretty smelly and salty though so maybe kiss your sweetheart before chowing down.
2. Break some plates
Celebrate the New Year by throwing plates at your friend's and neighbor's door like the Danes do. Apparently, this is a sign that you value your friends, and whoever has the biggest pile of plates is deemed the most popular and likely to have lots of friends in the New Year. Don't feel bad if no one throws plates at you, though. Jumping off of a chair at midnight is a good way to "jump into January" and ensure good luck.
3. Eat some suckling pig
In Austria, pigs are a symbol of progress and prosperity, so each year Austrians will serve a roasted suckling pig or "Sylvesterabend" for dinner on the 31st, and decorate their tables with marzipan pigs. Other countries including Cuba and Hungary eat pork on New Year's as well.
4. Hang some onions
In Greece, onions are a symbol of birth and re-growth. On New Years Day, an onion is hung on the front door next to a pomegranate which gets hung on Christmas. Later in the evening, a meal of lamb or pork is eaten, and an extra place is set for Santa Claus. Because Santa needs during the off-season, too.
5. Rock those white clothes
Does the rule "You can't wear white after Labor Day" apply if it's a New Year? Many Brazilians wear white on New Year's to keep negativity and bad spirits away. Also, jumping over seven waves while making seven wishes is custom. However, if you don't live near the ocean, feel free to jump three times on your right foot at midnight as an acceptable replacement.
6. Gather up your round fruits
In the Philippines, round foods represent coins and are believed to symbolize prosperity and wealth in the New Year. So make sure to stock up on apples, oranges, lemons, kiwis, and pomegranates to deck out your table with and made use as a healthy breakfast option in the morning after all that alcohol.
7. Drink your wishes
Some Russians write wishes for the coming year down on paper, burn them, add the ashes to a glass of champagne and drink them before midnight to ensure their wishes come true. If you're not into eating paper, perhaps burning those pictures of you and your ex or that final term paper you slaved over while downing a bottle of champagne are acceptable alternatives. You'll never know until you try.
