4 . While some customs like setting off fireworks and counting down the last few seconds seem universal, many countries have their own unique New Year’s Eve traditions.

Denmark: Break plates

A Danish tradition is to throw plates and dishes against friend’s and neighbor’s front doors. It’s a bit of a popularity contest as the bigger the pile of broken china is the next morning, the more friends and good luck you’ll have in the coming year.

Germany: Pouring lead

In Germany, people melt small pieces of lead in a spoon over a candle, then pour the liquid into cold water. The shapes from the lead pouring are supposed to reveal what the year ahead will bring. If the lead forms a ball, luck will roll one’s way, while the shape of a crown means wealth; a cross means death and a star will bring happiness.

Spain: Twelve grapes of luck

In Spain, one New Year’s tradition is to eat 12 grapes, one for each month of the coming year, to secure prosperity (繁荣). You need to eat one grape with each bell strike at midnight. The tradition dates from 1909 when farmers in Alicante came up with this idea to sell more grapes after an exceptional harvest.

Philippines: Round food, round clothes, round everything

In the Philippines, the start of the new year is all about the money. The locals believe that surrounding themselves with round things (to represent coins) will bring money or fortune. As a result, clothes with dots are worn and round food is eaten.

National Love Our Children Day began in America in 2004. It     1     (fall) on the first Saturday in April.     2     (it) aim is to honor and celebrate America’s children and stress the     3     (important) of love as they grow up. It is also intended to promote the relationship of family members and raise awareness of the need to protect children     4     the harmful side of society. Some people may argue that every day should be Love Our Children Day. However, there are millions of other children     5     are less fortunate and grow up without a loving childhood. Healthy and happy children provide the basis for a safe society for future generations when they become     6     (parent).

National Love Our Children Day     7     (start) by the organization Love Our Children USA nearly 15 years ago. It helps to organize events across America to make children feel     8    (delight). Their website advises us     9     (spend) the day with the children and do something special together or buy them something they’ve been dreaming for     10     long time. Former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, also said, “All of our children deserve the love, encouragement and respect which they need to reach their full potential today and every day of the year.”