Allcountries around the world have their ways to celebrate the coming year. Here-组卷网

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All countries around the world have their ways to celebrate the coming year. Here are some unusual new year traditions around the world that you must know.

	In Canada, they have an unusual new year tradition known as the Polar Bear Swim. Peter Pantages started this event in 1920 in Vancouver when his friends jumped in the freezing waters of the English Bay. Now, it is held in many places. But why do they do that? Many participants say that it starts off their year right since the icy water clears their heads—a cleansing for the mind and soul.
	At midnight, people go to the streets and dance to drum beats to welcome the New Year. The London Eye stands in bright colors for the fireworks show at midnight. For hours before the clock strikes 12, people come together to watch shows. The London Eye is lit up each year for New Year’s celebrations.
	On New Year’s Eve in Venice, Italy, the most popular celebrations are setting off fireworks in the street and the fireworks displays are great ways to send off the old year and welcome the new one. As the clock strikes midnight, the boat parade（游行）begins. People often enjoy a glass of wine on the boat to celebrate the New Year.
	In Thailand, they have the January New Year’s celebration by exchanging gifts with friends and family members. Then they get together to enjoy a traditional New Year’s Eve rice cake. Thai people also celebrate Songkran, or the Thai New Year in April. The first day in Bangkok, people often have a big water fight because they believe that water washes away bad luck. So throwing water is a sign of well—wishing and respect.