How are they ringing in the New Year in Vienna tonight? They’re melting lead and predicting the future.

Ringing in the new…around the globe

I remember the first time Hillary handed me a small cup with exactly 12 grapes and said “Ready?”

I wasn’t. I had no idea what to do with the grapes.

Turns out I was about to partake in one of Spain’s New Year’s Eve traditions, which had been part of her family’s celebration since she was a kid.

12 grapes in 12 seconds…the last 12 seconds of the year…will bring you luck for the New Year (if you don’t choke ☺).

All around the world, there are wonderful, silly and dangerous traditions for ringing in the New Year. (Dangerous? Yup…in Baltimore, they shoot guns into the air at the stroke of 12.)

Eat, wish, and be merry

One of the coolest I’ve heard of will take place in Vienna tonight. They’ll melt lead to predict the future. Oh, and waltz. At midnight they actually waltz in the streets.

My friend Sue was in Vienna a few years ago. She explained the New Year’s Eve custom of melting a bit of lead and tossing it in cold water. The shape it takes is supposed to foretell something about your upcoming year.

Sue’s lead piece turned into chaotic ripples except for a smooth dome near the middle. She didn’t know what to make of it. But her year turned out to be frenzied except for a calm and soothing two-week vacation.

Apparently, the molten lead does not lie!

You’re probably aware of the U.S. custom in southern states of eating black eyed peas for good luck on New Year’s. This custom is actually followed in many countries with a variety of different beans.

In Costa Rica they carry luggage across the street to invite travel and adventure for the upcoming year.

In some places, a single nut, a charm, or a small figurine is hidden in pudding or bread. If you’re lucky enough to find the hidden object, you’re all set for a year of good fortune. In France, you’re also crowned king or queen of the party.

In Singapore, people write New Year’s wishes on thousands of inflatable spheres that are floated on the waterfront where massive parties carry on through the night.

Two NYE details stand out as common throughout most of the world: alcohol and fireworks. Both can add to the fun. But as they say, “Be careful out there.”

Here’s hoping your New Year is safe, prosperous, and thoroughly happy. And that your molten lead forms the shape of a smile (and a dollar sign!).