Coins in bread, throwing old plates, and other New Year traditions

If you find it odd that many Filipinos prepare 12 different kinds of round fruits on New Year's Eve, you'll be suprised to discover other unique traditions around the world — from putting coins in bread to throwing old plates and even standing guard at loved ones' graves. For many Filipinos, making loud noises is a New Year's Day tradition, saying it drives away evil spirits, an article from the blog site “Tagalog lang” said. Filipinos commonly make noise by lighting firecrackers, banging on pots and pans, or blowing on horns. Serving 12 kinds of round fruits during Media Noche or New Year's Eve meal is also another common Filipino tradition, believing anything round is considered to be lucky. Wearing clothes with polka dots is also another popular Filipino New Year practice. Meanwhile, the site “123 New Year” cited how other nationalities celebrate the new year. Chile Estimated number of Filipinos: 176* Call it strange but people from Chili have a tadition of spending their new year at the graveyard – minus the zombies. They usually grab a chair after attending the New Year's Eve Mass and stay at the grave of their loved ones until the clock strikes midnight. By doing this, they get to greet the new year with their loved ones while paying their respects to relatives that they have lost. Denmark Estimated number of Filipinos: 9,401* If you're a fan of jumpshots, Denmark may be the best place to spend New Year's Eve. One of their new year traditions is to stand on chairs and simulatenously jump for joy right when the last second of the year ticks in. They also have the tradition of throwing old plates at the door of their friends' house. The home with the most shattered plates come morning is believed to have the most friends. Germany Estimated number of Filipinos: 55,821* Germans are not known for their fortune-telling skills. However, as the new year enters, they attempt to predict their fate for the incoming year. They will pour molten lead into a container with cold water and wait for the shape that it will take. Anything that resembles a heart symbolizes marriage or success in love life. Round shapes mean good luck. Anchor and cross shapes denote the need for help and possible demise. Greece Estimated number of Filipinos: 11,100* Greeks believe that luck is literally decided by fate. Families usually bake bread in a special manner, embedding a coin in the dough before it is baked. The first slice of the bread is offered to God. The second slice is given to the head of the house. The bread is then divided into parts. Whoever gets the part with the coin is believed to be the recipient of a whole year of good luck. Japan Estimated number of Filipinos: 290,358* The new year celebration is always a busy day for the Japanese since they visit temples to express gratitude for all the blessings that they have received during the year. Families usually gather together and decorate their homes with ornaments made from pine branch, bamboo and plum trees — symbols of longetivity, prosperity, and nobility respectively. They also serve toshikoshi soba (buckwheat noodles) as a symbol of a long and prosperous life for the incoming new year along with the all-time Japanese favorite mochi (sticky rice cakes). Spain Estimated number of Filipinos: 52,611* In Spain, it is believed that if you eat a dozen grapes just before the new year comes in, you will be ensured 12 months of happiness. Each grape represents a month of the new year. This tradition of gobbling down grapes has also been passed down to the Philippines, a former Spanish colony. United States Estimated number of Filipinos: 3,166,529* In America, a land of great diversity and different ethinic cultures, partying and social gathering are some of the main ways to celebrate the new year. A new year countdown is usually set in place in public areas such as townsquares. When the last second of the year ticks in, they kiss their loved ones. There is also an annual ball drop in Times Square in New York City which is also watched by people worldwide. Meanwhile, the site “Father Times”  also cites the new year traditions in some countries: Australia Estimated number of Filipinos: 345,592* New Year's Eve is celebrated by Australians by making loud noises through whistles, rattles and car horns. For January 1, a special holiday, the new year is greeted by Australians through outdoor picnics and camping at the beach. South Korea Estimated number of Filipinos: 82,359* Called 'Sol-nal,' the first day of the new year is when Koreans dress in new garbs to represent a fresh start for the beginning of the year. Families also gather at the eldest male's home and and pray together. The youngsters pay their respects to the elders and they are given gifts in return. Hungary Estimated number of Filipinos: 163 People in Hungary gather together for a parade of effigies known as “Jack Straw.” After the parade, these effigies, representing their misfortunes in the past year, are burned. - VVP, GMA News Estimated number of Filipinos are based on data from the 2010 Stock Estimate of Filipinos overseas from the Commission of Filipinos Overseas.