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The baby and the old man have been symbols of the new and old year since the time of the ancient Greeks.

Here are a few more symbols and traditions of celebrating the New Year across the globe:

In Spain and Portugal, celebrants gather with 12 grapes in their hands. As the clock strikes midnight announcing the New Year, a grape is eaten for each strike of the clock.

In Greece, a special New Year’s bread called vasilopita is baked with a lucky coin or charm hidden inside. The bread is served at midnight, and whoever gets the charm will have good luck all year.

Many Europeans eat cabbage or other greens to ensure prosperity for the coming year.

In Asia, people eat dumplings, noodles, and rice cakes whose names and appearances symbolize long life, happiness, wealth, and good fortune.

Neapolitans throw pots and pans—and sometimes furniture—out their windows into the streets to celebrate.

Puerto Rican children throw pails of water out windows to rid their houses of evil spirits.

The Swiss let a drop of cream hit the floor on New Year’s Day.

Romanians wish their farm animals New Year’s wishes, and then listen to see if their animals talk back.

• Lifestyle
• new year traditions