World’s Lucky New Year Customs and Traditions

New Year's traditions are unique to their country of origin, drawing upon specific objects, cuisines, and celebrations that are inherent to their culture. The earliest recorded New Year's festivities date back to ancient Babylon, where the first new moon following the vernal equinox marked the start of the new year. Babylonians celebrated with a religious festival called Akuti, a multi-day festival that honored the rebirth of the natural world.

Over the years, calendars fell out of sync with the sun, prompting the start of the year to fall on different days, until Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar in 45 B.C. Caesar instituted January 1st as the first day of the year, and the calendar closely resembled that of the modern Gregorian calendar. Today, most festivities begin on December 31st—the last day of the Gregorian calendar—and continue into the early hours of January 1st.

Whether it's sharing a meal with family and friends or throwing old furniture out the window, each of these customary, luck-filled New Year's traditions derives from a unique origin. Below are thirteen of the most fascinating celebrations from around the world. Discover their historical significance and the traditional objects each draws upon to create a truly unique representation of their heritage.

1. Wearing White (Brazil)

In Brazil, the new year is regarded as a time to reflect upon the past and make new resolutions for the coming year. Everyone wears white because the color signifies luck, prosperity, and is meant to ward off bad spirits. As the tradition goes, revelers gather on the beaches donning white garb where they jump seven waves—a lucky number in Brazilian culture—for good fortune and throw flowers into the water as an offering to...