In most parts of the world, December 31 involves some combination of fireworks, champagne, and hopeful resolutions for the new year. But in other places, a wholly unique set of practices has evolved, involving wearing, eating, or doing something to ward off bad luck and bring prosperity in the next 12 months. Hey, you might as well cover your bases. Here’s a look at New Year’s traditions around the world.

Western Europe | Grapes, Balls of Fire, and Broken Dishes

Spaniards mark the arrival of midnight by stuffing grapes into their mouths, one for each stroke of the clock. The first sign that the practice has brought luck: you don’t need somebody to administer the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the 12 grapes from your windpipe.

In Scotland, marchers in the village of Stonehaven swing fireballs on sticks as they parade through town. And all over the country, people wait to see who will set foot in their homes first on New Year’s Day (it’s called “first-footing,” appropriately enough). The visitor is expected to bring a gift for good fortune—preferably whisky and not haggis.

Danes celebrate the last day of the year by throwing dishes at the front doors of their friends and neighbors. If you’ve got a big mess to clean up in the morning, congratulations! You have a lot of friends.

South Africa | Hurling Appliances

Residents of Johannesburg also throw things, pushing old furniture and appliances out their windows and letting them shatter on the streets below (something to beware of should you find yourself walking around the streets of Johannesburg on December 31). It’s an out-with-the-old, in-with-the-new ritual perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the day.

Philippines | Round Things

The custom in the Philippines is to eat round fruits on New Year’s Eve. They have to be round because that’s the shape of coins and it signifies prosperity. For extra security, some people wear polka dots that day, too.

United States | Dropping It

Here in the United States, we celebrate December 31 by watching various things get lowered from great heights. The most famous example, of course, is the glittery ball drop over Times Square in New York City. But other localities have followed suit, usually lowering things associated with those regions—a peach in Georgia, a replica of the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania, and so on. The prize for the strangest drop, though, goes to Brasstown, North Carolina, where a possum in a plexiglass box is slowly lowered over a gas station at the stroke of midnight. (The critter is then released, but the event still doesn’t exactly thrill PETA.)

South America | Colorful Underpants and Empty Suitcases

In many South American countries (and some places in Europe), the tradition is to wear red or yellow underwear for good luck in the new year—red for finding love, yellow for coming into some money. Colombia has a practice for ensuring a year full of travel: walk around your block dragging an empty suitcase. We recommend checking Getaways for better results.

Happy New Year!