The weird, wonderful and tasty world of New Year’s good luck traditions
- There are countless traditions for the turn of the calendar, from house cleanings to warding off bad spirits, to eating certain foods or jumping around in a specific way
Nervous about the new year? You’re not alone. Around the world, there are countless new-year traditions centred on one shared hope: make it a good year, please.
Humanity’s tried-and-true superstitions come in all different forms, from house cleanings to warding off bad spirits, to eating certain foods or jumping around in a specific way.
Here’s a look at some beloved new year’s traditions worldwide.
Eat 12 grapes at midnight
This tasty tradition originated in Spain and is now practiced across Central and South America, from Mexico to Cuba. Each grape represents good luck for one month of the year. But luck does not come easily: Each grape must be eaten with each stroke of the midnight clock – 12 grapes in 12 seconds – in the first challenge of the year.
Pick underwear wisely
In Central and South American countries, such as Brazil and Ecuador, underwear colour can say a lot about what kind of year it could be: Yellow ones signify that good luck is coming, red ones love, green ones money and well-being, and white ones peace. For some of us, it probably can’t hurt to just wear all four.
