Nervous about the New Year? You’re not alone. Around the world, there are countless new year traditions centered on one shared hope: Make it a good year — please. Humanity’s tried-and-true superstitions come in all different forms, from house cleanings to warding off bad spirits, to eating certain foods or jumping around in a specific way because… well, it could work.
Here’s a look at some beloved New Year’s traditions worldwide. For optimal results, it’s best to pair these customs with reading the news on what’s happening in the countries and communities they come from, per (very real) Washington Post New Year’s lore.
Check out the list HERE: