Chinese New Year's Eve is approaching, and people all over the world will celebrate in their own way.
Some people like **fireworks, drink a glass or two;There are also people who celebrate in a fun and unique way.
From eating 12 grapes for good luck to drinking ashes – these New Year's traditions may come as a surprise, but they are still followed today.
For Chinese, December 31 may have less significance than the grand celebration of the Lunar New Year.
However, like the Lunar New Year, January 1 also marks a new beginning, with some people celebrating the Gregorian New Year with a haircut, symbolizing "starting from scratch".
Many people in Hong Kong, China, choose to gather in Victoria Harbour on Chinese New Year's Eve to enjoy the fireworks, which locals believe are comparable to the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks display.
In Spanish tradition, Chinese New Year's Eve is more than just fireworks.
As the clock strikes 12 o'clock, the Spaniards eat 12 grapes, each representing a wish for the upcoming New Year.
This practice dates back to the late 19th century and was first initiated by some winegrowers in Spain's Alicante region to boost year-end sales.
Although the custom began as a shrewd marketing ploy, it soon became a ritual beloved by the people of Spain throughout the country.
This practice is now deeply ingrained in Spanish culture and is believed to ward off bad luck and usher in a new year full of good luck and prosperity.
In Denmark, people usually gather to celebrate the New Year. When the New Year's Eve bell rings, people will drop plates at the doors of friends and neighbors.
This quirky custom is believed to represent the renunciation of aggressive and malicious acts and the creation of a fresh start for the upcoming New Year.
It is believed that the more broken plates are piled up, the greater the wealth that will usher in the New Year.
In Japan, people perform a traditional ceremony on Chinese New Year's Eve called "joya no kane" (除夜鐘). During this ritual, the temple bell is struck 108 times to dispel the 108 evil thoughts that exist in people's hearts.
It is believed that this ritual cleanses the sins of the past year, encouraging individuals to reflect and purify.
In Russia, the most popular way to make a wish on Chinese New Year's Eve is to write the wish on a piece of paper, fold it neatly four times, and then burn it with a candle flame on the New Year's table.
After the paper has been burned, the ashes should be sprinkled into a champagne glass and drunk when the bell strikes 12 times.
Another interesting custom about the Russian New Year is that the Russian Santa Claus (Ded Moroz) never appears alone, and a young girl named Snow Princess (Snegurochka) always accompanies him.
It is believed that the Snow Princess is the granddaughter of the Russian Santa Claus.
There are several interesting and unique New Year's traditions in Italy.
For example, Italians eat lentils on Chinese New Year's Eve because it is believed that they will bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Another tradition is to throw old pottery out the window, which symbolizes throwing away the past and welcoming a new beginning.
Wearing red** on Chinese New Year's Eve is also one of the popular customs in Italy, as it is believed to bring good luck to love and relationships.
Romania is known for its rich traditions and ancient customs.
During the winter months, various festivals and parades are held in many towns and villages in the region, with one of the largest events taking place on December 30.
The event is famous for its bear dancers – participants dress up in bear costumes, often made from real animal skins, and parade through the streets of the town.
Some of the costumes used in the event are even 50 years old.
On Brazil's vast coastline, especially in Rio de Janeiro and Bahia, New Year's Eve revelers offer white flowers to Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea. It is believed that she was particularly fond of white flowers, especially white roses.
It is believed that these offerings to Yemanya bring good luck to themselves. The dedication session can take place in any part of the sea.
Another well-known tradition is that within minutes after the midnight fireworks, Brazilians take off their shoes, head out to the ocean, and leap over seven waves.
Jumping over the seven waves is seen as a prayer for special strength to pave the way for the New Year. Each jump represents a New Year's resolution that you wish to fulfill.