From an MSNBC report, I found some very interesting NEW YEAR cultural beliefs and superstitions:

South America: in countries like Brazil and Bolivia, it’s standard fashion to wear brightly colored underpants on New Year’s Eve and/or Day. Those who choose red undies hope for an amorous year ahead . . . those wearing yellow underpants wish for money.

Denmark: many Danish revelers leap off chairs at the stroke of midnight, hoping to banish bad spirits and bad luck in the year ahead.

Philippines: New Year’s celebrations in places like Manila tend to be circular; Filipinos focus on all things round, consuming “round” fruits such as grapes; they also wear clothing with round shapes like polka dots. (The spherical theme is meant to remind celebrants of the “round” shape of coins and prosperity.)

Spain: at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, Spaniards begin to consume 12 grapes, attempting to eat the whole bunch by the time the clock stops chiming. (There’s that ROUND theme again)

Belarus: the new year in Belarus is all about getting hitched. Unmarried women compete at games of skill and chance to determine who will “tie the knot” in the coming months.

And finally, here’s an ANCIENT belief, common to cultures around the world; it’s connected to The Wind’s Direction: It’s believed that the direction of wind (during the moment of sunrise on New Year day) decides ongoing luck for the coming year. Wind from east predicts natural calamities. Wind from west predicts wealth . . . but it can also point to the death of a person of great national importance. Wind from south predicts prosperity; and wind from the north predicts bad weather. No wind means prosperity and joy throughout the year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM DOTS!!!