India, Nov. 22 -- As we head into our own celebrations, here's a look at some of my favourite ways to celebrate the end of the old year and the start of the new.

In Brazil, it is customary to wear white for peace, and make offerings such as flowers and candles to the sea goddess Iemanja, for blessings, prosperity and spiritual protection. People also jump over seven waves, believing this to bring good luck.

In Ecuador, effigies are burnt, as a gesture that the baggage of the past is being shed to make room for new beginnings. These effigies aren't a generic old man or grim spirit, though. They are often likenesses of real people: politicians, celebrities, even cartoon characters; anyone who symbolises controversy, discord or other quali...