New Year is the time of celebrations and resolutions when everyone welcomes the new dawn with hopes of a joyful and bright year. The most popular way to usher in the new year is to party into the night with family and friends. But did you know that there are certain traditions followed around the globe on the eve of the New Year which are very strange and interesting? Read on to know of 5 such traditions.

In Japan, ring the temple bells

In Japan, it is tradition to ring a temple bell on New Year's Eve as part of Joya-no-Kane. Priests and temple guests ring this symbolic bell 108 times to herald in the New Year, a custom that is observed across the nation. The bell is rung 107 times before and once after midnight.  It is said that  108 worldly sins are atoned by doing this.

Witness the Times Square's ball drop

In Times Square in New York City, there is a time ball called the Times Square Ball. The ball, which is located on the roof of One Times Square, is a key component of the Times Square ball drop, a tradition that marks the beginning of the new year by having a ball slide down a specially made flagpole at exactly 11:59 p.m. and resting at midnight. This event is often preceded by entertainment like live performances by popular musicians.

Eat 12 grapes in Columbia and Spain

The Twelve Grapes, also known as "the twelve grapes of luck," are a Spanish custom that involves eating a grape with each of the twelve clock strikes on December 31 to ring in the New Year. Every grape and clock bell ringing signifies one of the upcoming twelve months. This action will bring prosperity and good fortune.

In Copacabama, leap through seven waves

Join the millions of other Brazilians who spend New Year's Eve at the beach by jumping into the water at midnight and into the first seven ondas (waves), but only if you're facing the waves directly! You can make one wish for each wave.

Plate Smashing in Denmark

Denmark uses the tradition of throwing dinnerware to convey feelings of love, affection, and friendship. The more broken dishes you discover outside your door, the luckier the upcoming year will be for you. The breaking of plates also stands for the notion of letting go of any unfavorable feelings before the start of the new year.