LOOK: World celebrates as new year dawns

The year 2026 has arrived and people around the world are celebrating!

Why is New Year celebrated in countries across the globe? According to History.com, "People have been pledging to change their ways in the new year—whether by getting in shape, quitting a bad habit or learning a skill—for an estimated 4,000 years now."

"Many of the customs of New Year festivals note the passing of time with both regret and anticipation," Britannica.com said.

In the Philippines, one of the New Year traditions is to jump high the moment the clock strikes 12:00 a.m. on New Year's Day in the hopes of getting taller.

The Farmers Almanac said these are some of the traditions in other countries:

• Thailand: firing guns to frighten off demons;

• China: frightening forces of darkness with firecrackers;

• Denmark: throwing plates and glasses on front doors to banish bad spirits, and

• Ecuador: burn the effigies of famous people to destroy bad “juju.”

Pope Leo XIV arrives to lead the Vespers and Te Deum prayer on New Year's Eve in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Vincenzo Livieri TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

People watch the New Year’s Day celebration fireworks in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, January 1, 2026. REUTERS/Noel Celis

The Burj Khalifa is illuminated on New Year's Eve in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 31, 2025. Picture taken with a slow shutter speed. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

Fireworks explode over the Marina Bay during the New Year celebrations in Singapore, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Ore Huiying
 TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Traditional dancers perform during a ceremony to celebrate the new year in Seoul, South Korea, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon

People attend the New Year's Eve celebrations in Jakarta, Indonesia, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana

Drummers perform during a New Year ceremony at Juyongguan Great Wall section, also known as Juyong Pass, in Beijing, China, January 1, 2026. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Veronica Pulumbarit/Paraluman News