Explore the most unusual New Year's Eve traditions from around the world, including wearing red underwear in Italy, first footing in Scotland, dangerous furniture throwing in Johannesburg, eating grapes in Spain, ringing temple bells in Japan, and plate smashing in Denmark.
In Italy, it is a tradition to give red underwear as a gift on New Year's Eve, symbolizing love and passion, with its origins believed to be rooted in ancient Rome.
In Scotland, the tradition of first footing on New Year's Eve involves the first person entering a house after midnight, and if this person is a dark-haired man, it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity, originating from Viking invasions when light-haired or red-haired men were seen as unlucky.
Deep dives
Italian Red Underwear Tradition
In Italy, it is a tradition to give red underwear as a gift on New Year's Eve. The origins of this tradition are believed to be rooted in ancient Rome, where soldiers wore red clothes to hide bloodstains. The red color symbolizes love and passion. Italians buy red underwear as gifts to give their loved ones, and it is commonly found in shops during December.
Scottish First Footing Tradition
In Scotland, the New Year's Eve tradition known as first footing involves the first person entering a house after midnight. If this person is a dark-haired man, it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. To fulfill this tradition, the first foot should bring some coal for warmth, a coin for wealth, shortbread and salt for food, and a wee dram of whiskey. This tradition is thought to have originated during Viking invasions in the 8th and 9th centuries, when light-haired or red-haired men were seen as unlucky.
South African Flying Fridge Tradition
In the Hillbrow suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa, a dangerous but unofficial tradition involves residents throwing furniture and appliances out of their windows on New Year's Eve. This tradition started as a way to symbolically welcome the new year by getting rid of old items. However, the tradition has resulted in injuries, including an 11-month-old girl who was seriously hurt. Due to safety concerns, the police have begun cracking down on this tradition in recent years.
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A New Year's Eve celebration isn't always fireworks. Sometimes it's colourful underwear, dark-haired men rushing into Scottish houses, and smashing plates.
In this episode, we'll explore the most unusual New Year's Eve traditions around the world.