Red underwear, polka dots and a bag of grapes

As I'm preparing for New Year's Eve, which basically involves me preparing for a road trip to Nevada the next morning, I can't help but think of past years and how I celebrated.

I've done the whole shebang where I went out to a nice dinner, then a club and got really sick. Then there were two years in a row where I attempted to watch "Blade" but fell asleep as soon as the movie started. Another was at my friend's house where I was given a baggie filled with 12 grapes and told to eat one with each strike at midnight. Then there are my parents' traditions which were quite lengthy in preparation for the upcoming year: the entire house had to be clean (including laundry) to welcome in the New Year, you had to have money in your pocket/wallet so money will come to you all year long and you had to wear polka dots which resembles coins, and thereby brings wealth to the person wearing it. Then my parents started making black eyed peas to eat on New Year's Eve. Luckily, I was already living on my own.

Here's a round up of traditions from around the world. Some strange. Some not to strange.

Mexico/Spain: With each of the 12 chimes of the clock, they eat a grape while making a wish with each one. Those who want to find love wear red underwear or yellow for money.
Peru: Walking around the block with the suitcase will bring the person the journey of their dreams.
Philippines: Habit of wearing clothes with circular patterns like polka dots, this signifies the belief that circles attract money and fortune.
Romana: Romanians had a tradition of listening to hear if the farm animals talked on New Years Day. If the animals talked it was considered bad luck so they are relived when they do not hear any talking animals.

Whatever tradition you celebrate, have a happy new year!