When the clock strikes 12:00 am January 1,  people from all over the world will welcome the new year with their own unique traditions. Countries such as Spain, the Philippines, Germany, and Italy partake in activities believed to bring prosperity, wealth, and good luck for the coming year.
In the late 1800s, Spain introduced the unique tradition of eating 12 grapes as the bell chimes 12 times from the local tower. The 12 grapes represent each month of the year, and Spaniards believe that the grapes will bring prosperity and ward off evil. This custom has spread to many other Spanish-speaking countries in both Central and Latin America. 

“My family and I always have a cup filled with grapes that we pass around right before 12, so that everyone can grab the grapes in order to be ready for the count down,” Convent of the Sacred Heart sophomore Victoria Paternina said.
Although the Philippines are currently recuperating from the recent typhoon, citizens hope that 2014 will bring health and happiness. According to the Latino Post, to welcome the new year, Filipinos dress in polka-dotted outfits . They also fill their pockets with coins as well as place them around the house. In doing so, they believe that their lives will be filled with wealth and prosperity to help them regain strength after the devastating typhoon Haiyan of November 2013.
On the other side of the world, German citizens have their own customs for well-being in the new year. They trust that by touching a chimney sweep, their lives will be filled with good luck and health. The four-leaf clover is also considered a token of luck. Germans eat small marzipan pigs and doughnuts during festivals and celebrations of the new year.
“Chimney sweeps and four-leaf clovers are associated with new year eve because Germans believe they will bring good luck. Also we love to eat doughnuts at festivals, especially on new years eve,” Director of Educational Technology at Sacred Heart Mr. Karl Haeseler said. 

Italy is often recognized for its food and celebration. New Year’s Eve is no different. Similar to the traditions of the Filipinos, Italians believe that circular objects will bring prosperity. They broil lentils, a circular-shaped bean, to make a soup. They then eat each bite in sync with each bell toll. Along with their culinary traditions, Italians also believe that throwing old and unused items out of the window represents a clean slate for the new year.  

“My family always makes the best lentil soup. We love coming together and enjoying Italian traditions since my whole family lives in Italy,“ junior Catie Capolongo said.
– Cori Gabaldon, Staff Writer
Sources:
http://www.latinopost.com/articles/2498/20131226/new-years-eve-2014-oddest-new-years-eve-traditions-from-around-the-world.htm