Celebrate New Year's Eve at home with global traditions

New Year's Eve traditions vary worldwide, and many can be celebrated at home. In Ecuador, people burn effigies and photos to let go of the past, while in India, an effigy called Pappanji is burned to mark the year's end. In Spain and parts of Latin America, eating 12 grapes at midnight is a common practice, with each grape representing a month of the upcoming year. In Japan, toshikoshi soba noodles are eaten for long life, while in Brazil, people jump over seven waves at the beach to make wishes. Other traditions include banging stale bread against walls in Ireland to chase away bad spirits and throwing dishes in Denmark to symbolize good luck. These customs can be adapted for home celebrations.