SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Across the United States, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with iconic customs such as witnessing the ball drop in Times Square, exchanging a kiss at the stroke of midnight, and singing “Auld Lang Syne” to bid farewell to the old year.

However, around the globe, different cultures have their unique ways of welcoming the new year. Let’s explore some of these fascinating traditions:

In Spain, the arrival of the new year is marked by the eating of 12 grapes. As the clock strikes midnight, individuals eat one grape for each chime. This tradition is believed to bring prosperity for the coming year, but it’s important to eat all 12 to avoid misfortune.

Brazilians take to the beaches to celebrate, where tradition holds that jumping over seven waves will increase one’s luck for the year ahead. With each leap, a wish is made for the future.

In Ireland, a unique twist on the use of mistletoe, typically associated with Christmas, is embraced. According to Irish lore, placing mistletoe under one’s pillow on New Year’s Eve is said to inspire dreams of a future partner.

In Greece, they hang bundles of onions over the door to invite growth and prosperity. If the onions sprout, even better. That represents fertility and abundance.

In Denmark, they stand on a chair and ‘leap’ into the new year. Taking the initiative to start the year with enthusiasm is said to guarantee good luck.

In Italy, they eat lentils. This tradition goes back to their ancestors believing that round food brought good luck.

In the Philippines, they wear polka dots. Again, the round shapes symbolize prosperity.

In Germany and Austria, they give gifts to friends to bring them good luck. These small tokens include pigs (a sign of wealth), pennies, horseshoes, ladybugs and clovers. They also turn lemons into pigs with toothpicks for legs and cloves for eyes.

In certain Latin American countries, they believe the color of the underwear you wear on New Year’s Eve can set the tone for the coming months. Yellow is for luck; red is for love and white brings peace.

In Columbia, they take an empty suitcase and run around the block as fast as they can at midnight. It is said this will guarantee you a year filled with travels

No matter what your New Year’s Eve tradition is, have a safe and happy one!