A colorful roundup of unique traditions — from Spain’s 12 grapes at midnight, to Japan’s temple bells ringing 108 times, to Brazil’s wave-jumping for good luck. Woven through each ritual is symbolism that reflects local values. Have you ever wondered what all these beautiful and unique traditions mean and where they come from?

We can see that the 12 grapes at midnight tradition has recently emerged on TikTok. Make a wish before 12, eating 12 grapes… a lot of girls love to wish for a loyal boyfriend as they gulp the grapes in 12 seconds before midnight. Who came up with this theory?

You can thank the Spanish. Also known as las doce uvas de la suerte, the 12 grapes symbolize the 12 hours on a clock: each chime, each hour, each month, for each year. The tradition promises good luck for each month of the coming year. It originated from a bumper grape harvest in 1909 but was rooted as early as 1866.

The most iconic countdown happens in Madrid’s Plaza del Sol, broadcast on national television, and it is now the epicenter of Spain’s New Year’s countdown. This famous clock tower was constructed in 1866 and has since become a national icon. Since 1928, Spaniards have gathered around it to synchronize their 12 grapes with its 12 chimes.

The 12-grape tradition has spread to parts of Latin America, such as Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia, where it is also tied to wishes and resolutions. In some countries, each grape represents a specific wish—one per month if we’re lucky and good this year!

Of course, grapes are also the fundamental ingredient in wine, a relatively common celebratory drink, so culturally, it all ends up with some grapes this year. Let’s get 2026 grooving and full of delightful wishes!

Another unique tradition stems from Asia—Japan in particular. There is a New Year’s custom of ringing the bell exactly 108 times. This practice is known as Joya no Kane. Rooted in Buddhist philosophy and Shinto ritual, this ancient custom serves as a bridge between the past and the future, imbued with spiritual symbolism.

Japanese people love to gather at temples, writing down shrines and offering up wishes and aspirations for the year ahead. As sunset deepens and twilight begins, the bell starts ringing—slow, steady, rhythmic. One hundred and eight rings mark the transition from old to new.

The tolling represents the 108 worldly passions: the multitude of desires and negative emotions that humans grapple with, leading to suffering and hindering spiritual growth. There is some debate about how the number 108 was derived, and several interpretations exist.

As humans, we have six senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, and consciousness. Each sense can be experienced in one of three ways: negative, positive, or neutral, giving us a total of 18 feelings (6 × 3). These feelings may be either pure or contaminated, creating 36 passions (18 × 2). Because each passion is formed from the past, present, or future, we are left with 108 defilements of the mind (36 × 3).

Another interpretation connects 108 to the traditional calendar and how a year was once measured. The 12 months of the year are added to the 24 solar terms. Each of those terms is divided into three, creating 72 seasonal divisions. Twelve months plus 24 solar terms plus 72 seasonal divisions equals 108. In this sense, Joya no Kane is not only about emptying desires from the past year but also about calculating and moving with a metric of time. Crazy to think about, right? Too much math if you ask me—thank yourself that I’m a writer, not your tax collector.

If you're ever in Japan or interested in bell ringing, you should visit Eikando Temple. It is famous for its beautiful autumn scenery but turns lively on New Year’s Eve. The temple has been standing since 1743, and its inscription declares:
“Wherever the sound of the bell reaches, dawn breaks in the long night of life and death; wherever the ringing resounds, one is awakened from the deep slumber of ignorance.”

Moving down the equator to South America, Brazil offers jumping over seven waves into the New Year—promising good luck and prosperity for the year to come. Each wave represents a wish, as you jump, leaving behind any negativity from the past year. This custom is rooted among Afro-Brazilians, who worship the goddess of the sea, Lemanjá. Many locals believe she will secure blessings just in time for the New Year. And remember: do not look back. This shows respect to Lemanjá.

Another meaningful tradition is offering flowers to Lemanjá, the sea goddess. Head to the water’s edge with flowers, candles, and small gifts to honor her spirit. Many preserve these gifts in a small boat adorned with white flowers and wait for it to float away. Once it does, it is believed she has accepted your offerings and will fulfill your wishes for the New Year.

It’s beautiful to compare each country’s culture as the New Year approaches. So, if you're looking for a new tradition to pursue this New Year’s Eve, maybe try one from a different culture. Who knows—one of these rituals might help the universe hear your wishes and secure a fulfilled 2026.

Photo Credit: Source Hotel Market Hall

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