Five weird and wonderful New Year's Eve traditions from around the world

From plate smashing to grape eating, many unique traditions are marked in little pockets of the globe on December 31

In Mexico, many local people plan their New Year's Eve outfit around what they hope to find in the coming year – and underwear is essential to the tradition. If you’re looking for love, red is your colour. White is said to represent peace, while yellow is thought to bring wealth and success. Shutterstock

The New Year’s Eve tradition in the Philippines was inherited from the Chinese. When you enter someone’s home on December 31, you will more than likely notice a bunch of fruits on the table. From apples to oranges and grapes to plums, the custom is to gather 12 different fruits – one for each month of the year – but they have to be round as it represents wealth and prosperity. AFP

Scotland is a country steeped in tradition. On New Year’s Eve they do little do disappoint when it comes to quirky folklore. To ensure good luck, the first person to set foot in the house once the bells have chimed at midnight should come bearing gifts. Traditional presents include a lump of coal to stoke the fire and shortbread. For those that follow tradition by the book, the first footer should be a dark-haired man. Fair-haired guests are not particularly welcome on this night due to the Viking invasions that took place between the eighth and 15th centuries. AFP

If you ever find yourself in Denmark on New Year’s Eve and see revellers throwing plates at their neighbours houses – do not fear. While it might appear to be a form of hostility, it is quite the opposite. A Danish New Year’s Eve tradition is to throw plates and dishes for luck. It’s a bit of a popularity contest as the bigger the pile of broken plates, the more friends and good luck you’ll have in the coming year. Another custom in Denmark is the jumping off chairs at midnight, symbolising the leap into the New Year. Getty

While it might sound like a scary ritual straight out of a horror movie, people in Ecuador set fire to giant scarecrows on New Year’s Eve. The weird figures are usually modelled on politicians, celebrities and sports stars. They are made from old clothes and stuffed with newspaper and sawdust. The burning process signifies a type of cleanse, which destroys all the bad things from the previous year. For local people, it means a fresh start for the year ahead. AFP

Whether you’re an avid New Year’s Eve reveller or someone that loves to hate the annual celebration, there’s usually little you can do to avoid it.

Although not all cultures officially mark the end of one year and the beginning of a new one on December 31, the night is usually celebrated all over the world.

Fireworks and parties are standard for most New Year’s Eve well-wishers but many unique traditions are marked in little pockets of the globe as well.

From plate smashing to grape eating, The National takes a look at some of the world's most unique New Year's Eve celebrations.