The clock strikes midnight. A new year begins. And all over the world, people undertake various rituals on January 1 to invite good luck for the next 365 days. Maybe you have a tradition of your own, or maybe you want to get a head start on your resolution to try something new by ringing in 2024 by giving an unfamiliar tradition a try – because who knows, it might just work? Whether you believe in the positive vibes these beliefs are meant to bring or simply want to add some spice to your usual champagne-soaked party, implementing a new tradition can be the perfect way to start the new year.
Without further ado, here are 10 New Year’s superstitions from around the world.
Midnight kiss
Popularized in the United States, give your loved one a (consensual) hug to bring good luck in the coming year or to strengthen an already existing romantic relationship. This is definitely one of the sexiest New Year’s traditions, but don’t worry if you’re not feeling this tradition, or if there’s no one around you who wants to kiss you. (No, that doesn’t mean you’ll be lonely for the rest of the year.) There’s plenty more on this list that you can try without having to tighten your lips.
Eat 12 grapes
Get your bowl of grapes ready to welcome the new year. This tradition is common in Spain and involves waiting until the stroke of midnight and then eating one grape for each stroke of the clock. The twelve grapes represent the coming months, and when you put them in your mouth you are meant to welcome good luck and prosperity. Some also believe that eating the grapes helps ward off evil spirits. If you’re already a snack lover, this might be your new favorite tradition.
Kale and Black-Eyed Peas
If you spend time in the southern region of the US, you can enjoy plates of kale and black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. This American tradition promises luck and prosperity: the color of the vegetables is reminiscent of the green of dollar bills and the peas represent coins. We could all use a little luck with our finances in 2024, so why not do it with a hearty meal?
Empty suitcase
If you haven’t traveled much in the past year, find an empty suitcase and get ready to roll around your house or even jam it. In Central and Latin America, people take a walk with their luggage or put their suitcases in the middle of an area where people can walk around, as a way to attract good travel in the coming year.
Break a pomegranate
Pomegranates are often depicted as sacred symbols, representing fertility and abundance. In Greek culture, smashing a pomegranate after the ball falls means good luck for the coming year. Some versions of the tradition call for having a pomegranate blessed while going to church, then hanging the fruit on the front door from Christmas to New Year’s. On January 1, everyone throws the pieces until there are thirteen pieces: one for each month of the year, and an extra for luck.
Open the windows
Irish superstition states that every door and window in the entire house must be open when the clock strikes twelve. This symbolizes letting go of the old year and welcoming in the new, and it also represents welcoming into the spirits of deceased relatives, allowing them to participate in the celebration. Worth braving bad weather for, right?
Wear polka dots
You may not have polka dotted clothes lying around, but if you do, now is the time to shine. In the Philippines, people wear the coin-like imprint to attract financial prosperity. If you’ve been following the recent fashion trends, consider using polka dots for your NYE outfit this year.
First foot in
Scotland keeps the party going by celebrating Hogmanay, which is basically a time to rejoice from New Year’s Eve through January 2. The Scots participate in ‘first-footing’, where the first person to enter the house on New Year’s Day is seen as a good luck charm for the coming year. Traditionally, this person should bring a gift, but nothing too crazy! Consider packing a lump of coal, shortbread cookies, or some whiskey (a perennial favorite). The gifts symbolize elements of happiness, such as warmth, food and prosperity.
Red underwear
If you have a cute pair of red lace underwear that you’d like to wear, consider this your sign. In Italy, many take part in the tradition of wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve to ensure good luck and success for the coming year. It’s not just a nice fashion statement; Wearing red underwear on NYE is serious business for Italians and represents passion and love for the next twelve months.
Pork and Sauerkraut
If kale and black-eyed peas aren’t your style, try the German version of the New Year’s meal by cooking pork and sauerkraut. German tradition calls for eating this particular meal on December 31: the pig represents good luck because of the way they always move in forward motion, guided by their snout. This symbolizes moving forward instead of backward in the new year.
