People the world over have long endeavored to ensure each new year gets off to the best possible start. And from rituals to special foods, how we choose to invite luck into our lives largely depends on where we live.

Signs of times to come.
Many cultures use symbols to determine what the next year will hold. A tall, dark and handsome man crossing the threshold is a sign of good luck in some countries. In Germany, a tradition involves dropping molten lead into cold water in order to predict the future, as with reading tea leaves. A heart or ring shape means a wedding will take place, a ship signals an impending journey and a pig points to plenty of food in the year ahead.

For others, specific activities help to welcome a beneficent year. A Celt tradition involves banging on the door and walls with Christmas bread to chase out the bad luck. And across the Philippines, children jump up and down at midnight to make sure they grow tall.

The foods of fortune.
It seems it's not just what people do on New Year's Eve that matters; choosing the right food is also important. In Austria, Sweden and Germany, ham and pork are the luckiest things to eat on New Year's Day, while for Bolivians, turkey is the meat of choice. Greeks hide a gold or silver coin in a special cake. Those in Japan who can swallow at least one "sending out the old year" noodle without breaking it are supposed to enjoy happiness and a long life. And in Portugal and Spain, many follow the custom of eating 12 grapes or raisins at midnight to bring luck in all 12 months of the coming year.

The world's New Year's traditions may be as diverse as the lands they come from, but they all involve sharing good times with family and friends—certainly an unmistakable sign of good fortune in itself.

Celebrate the holidays.
Rejoice as all your wishes come true on a Holland America Line Christmas or New Year's cruise. We'll provide all your favorite traditions and holiday meals, plus a level of service that is utterly enchanting. Best of all, you get to play "guest" instead of "host," making this holiday one you'll always remember!

Featured cruises sponsored by Cruise Direct Online. Click on the Ship's name for more information.

7-Day Caribbean New Year's
Ryndam/Veendam Roundtrip Tampa
Dec 29, 30, 2006

7-Day Caribbean New Year's
Westerdam/Zuiderdam Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale
Dec 30, 31, 2006

7-Day Mexican Riviera
Oosterdam Roundtrip San Diego
Dec 30, 2006

14-Day Australia & New Zealand Holiday
Statendam Auckland to Sydney
Dec 22, 2006

15-Day Circle Hawaii
Zaandam Roundtrip San Diego
Dec 21, 2006

20-Day S. America & Antarctic Holiday
Rotterdam Rio de Janeiro to Valparaíso
Dec 22, 2006