Most Americans celebrate New Years by embracing friends and family, staying up until midnight and watching the ball drop in Time Square. Some families have made their own traditions by going skiing on New Years Day or traveling to see family. Does your family have a New Years tradition?

Other countries celebrate in different ways:

  • History.com reports that in Spain and several other Spanish-speaking countries, people bolt down a dozen grapes-symbolizing their hopes for the months ahead-right before midnight.
  • In the Netherlands, Mexico, Greece and a few other places...ring-shaped cakes and pastries are eaten. To them it's a sign that the year has come full circle.
  • In Sweden and Norway, meanwhile, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is served on New Year’s Eve; it is said that whoever finds the nut can expect 12 months of good fortune.
  • In Cuba, Austria, Hungary, Portugal and other countries they enjoy pork on New Years because pigs represent progress and prosperity in some cultures.
  • Traditional New Year’s dishes in other parts of the world, including southern United States, feature legumes, which are thought to resemble coins and herald future financial success; examples include lentils in Italy and black-eyed peas.

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