A New year has begun. Additionally, on January 1st, people around the world perform their various rituals in hopes of bringing good fortune for the upcoming 365 days. Perhaps you have a custom of your own, or perhaps you would like to establish a new tradition in 2024 by attempting something different—because, who knows, it might work? Whether you think these beliefs will bring good vibes or you just want to spice up your typical Champagne-soaked celebration, starting a new custom could be the ideal way to start the new year.
Here are ten global New Year’s superstitions without further ado.
Midnight Kiss
Give your significant other a (consensual) kiss to wish them luck in the new year or to solidify a romantic relationship that already exists. This custom originated in the United States. This is undoubtedly one of the more romantic New Year’s customs, but don’t worry if you don’t want to kiss someone or if you’re not into the practice. (No, that does not imply that you will spend the remainder of the year alone.) You can experiment with a lot more things on this list that don’t require lips-locking.
Consume twelve grapes.
As we welcome the new year, get your bowl of grapes ready. This custom, which is popular in Spain, entails waiting for the clock to strike midnight and then eating one grape for each chime. Placing the twelve grapes in your mouth is a symbol of the approaching months and is thought to bring luck and wealth. Additionally, some people think that consuming the grapes dispels evil spirits. If you enjoy snacks already, this may become your new favorite custom.
Black-eyed peas and collard greens
On New Year’s Day, you might find yourself consuming plates of collard greens and black-eyed peas if you’re visiting the southern part of the country. This American custom, which associates the hue of the vegetables with the green of dollar bills and the peas with dollars, brings luck and wealth. In 2024, we could all use a little good fortune with our cash, so why not combine it with a filling meal?
empty travel bag
If you didn’t take many trips last year, gather an empty luggage and prepare to roll it around your home or perhaps the block. To attract favorable travel for the following year, people in Central and Latin America walk around with their suitcases or place them in the center of a room for people to wander around.
Shatter a pomegranate
Pomegranates are frequently shown as holy symbols that stand for abundance and fertility. Smashing a pomegranate when the ball drops is believed to bring good fortune for the next year in Greek tradition. According to some variations of the custom, hanging a blessed pomegranate on the front entrance from Christmas to New Year’s is a tradition that involves visiting church. Everyone smashes it one by one starting on January 1st, until thirteen pieces remain—one for each month of the year plus an extra for good fortune.
Let the windows open.
According to Irish New Year’s superstitions, when the clock strikes twelve, every window and door in the house ought to be open. This denotes bringing in the souls of departed family members and having them participate in the celebration. It also symbolizes saying goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new. Worth enduring bad weather for, wouldn’t you say?
Put on some polka dots.
Even if you might not own any polka-dot clothing, now is the perfect opportunity to wear it. People wear the coin-like print as a means of attracting wealth in the Philippines. If you’ve been keeping up with the latest style trends, think about dressing up in polka dots for New Year’s Eve this year.
First Foot In
The celebration of Hogmanay, which is essentially a period of joy from New Year’s Eve through January 2, keeps First Foot in Scotland going. The first person inside on New Year’s Day is considered a lucky charm for the upcoming year, a custom known as “first-footing” among the Scots. This person is supposed to send a present, but nothing too extravagant! Think about bringing over some shortbread, a piece of coal, or whisky—a timeless classic. The gifts stand for symbols of wealth, food, and warmth—all aspects of good fortune.
Red panties
This is your cue to wear that adorable pair of red lace underwear you’ve been longing to wear. Many people in Italy observe the custom of donning red underwear on New Year’s Eve in order to bring good fortune and prosperity to the future year. Wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is more than simply a playful fashion statement for Italians; it symbolizes passion and love for the upcoming year.
Sauerkraut and pork
If you’re not like collard greens and black-eyed peas, try making some pork and sauerkraut, which is Germany’s version of the traditional New Year’s feast. This particular supper is traditionally eaten on December 31 in Germany; pigs are said to bring good fortune because their snouts always lead them forward. This represents going ahead in the new year rather than backward.