The clock strikes midnight, a new year begins, and across the globe, various traditions and rituals are practiced to invite good luck for the next 365 days. For an auspicious start to the next 12 months, why not give one of the New Year’s Eve superstitions ahead a whirl?
From a distinctly American tradition that’s practically synonymous with the iconic ball drop (hint, hint), to European customs that are rich in symbolism, there’s something for every kind of celebrant hoping to inject their new year with a strong dose of good fortune.
Below, 13 New Year’s Eve superstitions encompassing cultures from around the world to incorporate into your December 31st festivities. To new beginnings!
Midnight Kiss
Rooted in European traditions and popularized in the United States, sharing a kiss when the clock strikes twelve is said to bring good luck in the upcoming year. It’s among the best-known NYE rituals, in large part thanks to memorable cinematic depictions ranging from When Harry Met Sally to Bridget Jones’s Diary.
Eat 12 Grapes
Las doce uvas de la suerte (or “the twelve grapes of luck”) is a Spanish tradition where individuals eat a grape in sync with each of the twelve clock chimes beginning precisely at midnight. The grapes represent each month of the upcoming year, and consuming all twelve is meant to welcome good luck and prosperity.
Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas
If you’re spending time in the southern region of the U.S., you might find yourself eating plates of collard greens and black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. This American tradition promises good luck and prosperity: the veggies’ color conjures the green of dollar bills and the peas represent coins. If you’re feeling particularly peckish, add cornbread to the table as it’s said to symbolize gold.
Suitcase Stroll
If you have your sights set on travel for 2025, locate a suitcase to participate in this ritual. In Central and Latin America, those with wanderlust take a stroll with their luggage around the block or put their suitcases in the middle of a room for others to walk around, which is considered a way of attracting good travel for the year ahead.
Break a Pomegranate
Pomegranates are often portrayed as sacred symbols, representing fertility and abundance. In Greek culture, smashing a pomegranate after the ball drops means good fortune in the upcoming year. Some versions of the tradition call for getting a pomegranate blessed while attending church, then hanging the fruit on the front door from Christmas until New Year’s. On January 1, everyone takes a turn smashing it until there are thirteen pieces—one for each month of the year, and an extra for good luck.
Open the Windows
Irish superstition states that every door and window must be open throughout the home when the clock strikes twelve. This symbolizes letting the old year go and welcoming in the new, and it also represents welcoming in the spirits of departed family members, allowing them to take part in the celebration. Worth braving inclement weather for, no?
Wear Polka Dots
In the Philippines, locals dress in polka-dot prints to attract financial prosperity. The round silhouette of the pattern is meant to represent money and good fortune. If you’re considering incorporating polka dots into your NYE outfit this year, take a cue from these street style looks for inspiration.
First Foot In
Scotland keeps the party going by celebrating Hogmanay, which is a time to rejoice from New Year’s Eve through January 2. The Scottish partake in “first-footing,” where the first person to enter the house on New Year’s Day is seen as a harbinger of luck for the coming year. Traditionally, this person should bring a small gift. Consider packing a piece of coal, shortbread, or some whisky (a perennial favorite). These gifts symbolize elements of luck, like warmth and food.
Red Underwear
In Italy, many participate in the tradition of wearing red on New Year’s Eve, which has ancient origins dating as far back as the time of Emperor Octavian Augustus. Red is a symbol of prosperity and was worn on the Roman New Year, while in the Middle Ages, wearing red became linked to underwear. Now, red underwear for New Year’s Eve is a common ritual; they are often worn inside out and put on the right way after midnight, or thrown out entirely after midnight, signaling a fresh start mentality for the year ahead.
Cook Pork and Sauerkraut
If collard greens and black-eyed peas aren’t your bag, try Germany’s take on the new year meal by cooking up pork and sauerkraut. The tradition calls for savoring this specific meal on December 31 as the pig represents luck—the animal’s forward motion, always led by their snout, is said to manifest good luck in the new year.
‘Jump’ Into the New Year
Leap into the new year with this energetic Danish tradition. At midnight, Danes jump off of their furniture to symbolize jumping into the new year. A word to the wise: take off your heels before partaking in this ritual.
Wear All White
In Brazil, celebrants of the festa de Lemanjá wear all white for New Year’s Eve and when the clock strikes twelve, they head to the beach to pay tribute to the goddess of the seas (Lemanjá). Participants jump over seven waves, each of which is accompanied by a wish for the year ahead.
Toss Out a Bucket of Water
Want to start fresh for the new year? Toss a bucket of water out the window as they do in countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay. By doing so, you cleanse your energy of evil spirits and invite good energy for the year ahead.
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