Murray, NEB- As Christmas time wraps up and the snow continues to fall, the New Year approaches. Marking the beginning of a New Year and a fresh start, people often find their own traditions to celebrate. All over the world New Years is celebrated in many different ways.

A classic New Year tradition in the U.S. is watching the ball drop when the clock strikes midnight each year. Millions of Americans gather around their tv, or in the streets of New York City to watch a New Year begin. In Brazil, their New Years tradition is to go to the beach because of the warm weather there. Once midnight hits in Brazil you’re supposed to jump seven waves while making seven wishes. Another tradition around the world is eating 12 grapes in Spain, to symbolize each strike of the clock.

Another well known tradition in Denmark is throwing old plates. The tradition is done to bring your loved ones the best of luck in the New Year. In the country of Greece their tradition is hanging an onion outside their door. It usually symbolizes growth and is hung after a church service on New Year’s Day. On New Year’s Eve, Columbians have a common tradition of placing three potatoes under each family member’s bed. One potato is peeled, one is not, and the last potato is only peeled partially. At midnight they select a potato with their eyes closed and depending on the potato they picked it will either grant them with a year of good fortune, financial struggle, or both.

Around the world people celebrate New Year’s in many different ways depending on where they are. New Year’s marks the beginning of a new calendar year and has been celebrated for thousands of years. So if your’re looking to start a new tradition on New Year’s to grant you some luck, then look no further and try some of these traditions around the world.