10 of the strangest New Year’s traditions from around the world

When it comes to celebrating the New Year, it seems that everyone has their own peculiar way of doing things.

Some people throw bread, others burn scarecrows, and still others fist fight for good luck.

These are the 10 strangest New Year’s traditions from around the world:

1. In Denmark they save all their unused dishes and plates for 31 December when they shatter them on the doors of their friends and family.
2. Scarecrow burning: In Ecuador, they celebrate the new year by burning paper filled scare crows at midnight. They also burn photographs of the last year. All in the name of good fortune.
3. Eating 12 Grapes: In Spain, if you can manage to stuff 12 grapes in your mouth at midnight you have achieved good luck for the next year.
4. Round goods: In the Philippines it is all about the cash. They believe everything should be round as to represent coins and bring wealth. Round food, round clothes. As long as it is round.
5. Coloured underwear: In some South American countries, wearing coloured underwear will determine your fate for the new year. Red underwear means you will find love, gold means wealth and white signifies peace.
6. Dropping ice cream: In Switzerland, they celebrate the new year by dropping ice cream on the floor.
7. Coin tossing: In Romania, they throw their spare coins into the river for good luck.
8. Do not forget the cows: In Belgium, they take their livestock seriously. The farmers wish their cows a happy new year.
9. Pancakes: The French likes to keep things simple and delicious. Every new year they consume a stack of pancakes.
10. Suitcases: In Columbia, they carry their suitcase around with them all day in the hope of having a travel-filled year.