Dec 8, 2014 3 min read

The clock strikes midnight. A huge, lit-up ball drops in New York City. Everyone makes a resolution. People cheer and wish each other a happy new year. Sound familiar?

In the United States, it probably does sound familiar. That is how many Americans ring in every new year. But what happens in other parts of the world at the end of one year and the start of the next?

In China, the holiday is celebrated differently. One Chinese tradition is to give children red envelopes filled with money. Red is a symbol of luck, good fortune and happiness, so it is used around the new year in hopes of luck, good fortune and happiness throughout the upcoming year. Traditionally, there is also plenty of food to choose from as people ring in a new year in China. Some of the most popular foods include chicken, duck, fish, pork, a variety of soups and sweet cakes called “song gao.”

If you would travel to South Africa, however, the celebration would also be unique. This part of the world enjoys warm summer weather to welcome in the new year, it is common for celebrations and parties to be held outside.

In South Africa, as well as other countries, like China, many people like to start the year with elaborate firework displays.

New Year’s festivities in Italy might be the most unique tradition of all. There is an old tradition – thankfully, this one is seldom practiced in modern days – in which people open their windows and throw old personal belongings onto the streets below.

An even crazier Italian tradition involves smashing plates, vases and glasses to drive away bad omens and start the year with a clean slate.

During a three-day celebration of the new year, Korea is filled with festivities. It is one of the most celebrated holidays in the country. Children receive money and advice from their elders to celebrate the new year, and families typically play traditional games together or fly kites.

In Spain, the celebrations are different from any other culture. After eating dinner with family, people dress in their nicest clothes and go into the city. People crowd town squares to watch a clock on a tower or a church as they count down the minutes until the new year begins. When the clock strikes midnight, everyone wishes each other a happy new year with hugs and kisses, regardless of whether they know each other.

It doesn’t matter where you are when the clock strikes midnight and a new year begins. No matter where you go in the world, it’s all about celebrating with friends and family, and welcoming in a fresh, new year. Whether it is celebrated with a ball dropping in New York City, traditional foods in China, outdoor parties in South Africa or even smashing glass in Italy, the start of a new year always marks the possibility of new beginnings.