5 odd things Germans do on New Year’s

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Everybody makes resolutions for the next year. And I suppose champagne and fireworks are pretty common too on New Year’s. But did you know about these New Year’s traditions in Germany?

Pouring lead

They melt lead or in some cases candle wax over fire and then pour it into cold water. Crazy shapes result from the sudden cooling off. Supposedly these shapes indicate what the person’s future will bring.

Donuts filled with mustard

When celebrating New Year’s Eve in a group, there will be a filled doughnut for everybody. Most filled with jam, but one filled with mustard. According to the tradition, the person who picks the mustard filled doughnut will be the luckiest in the coming year.

Dinner for one

Normally, all shows and movies on German TV are dubbed. Except for this one: Dinner for one. It is only shown on New Year’s Eve and that day several times on many different channels. If you turn on the TV at all that day, it’ll be hard to miss it. It has been a New Year’s tradition since 1972, famous for the main character’s line “the same procedure as every year”.

Pigs at every party

Chimney sweeps and clover leaves are symbols of luck in many countries. But in Germany, so are pigs. Leading up New Year’s Eve you’ll find German stores sell plastic and marzipan versions of little pink pigs, much like you’d find heart shaped decorations in the US before Valentine’s Day.

Swim in icy water

In Germany, just like in many other European countries tradition is to go swimming on New Year’s Day.  Not in a heated pool, but in the sea or a lake! Supposedly this tradition started in the Netherlands in 1960 but it still is incredibly popular! Every year thousands of people bathe in the ice cold water on the first day of the year.

What are your New Year’s traditions? I would love to learn how the day is celebrated around the world! Comment below!