10 New Year’s superstitions from around the world

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Midnight kiss

Popularised in the United States, give your loved one a (consensual) smooch to bring good luck in the upcoming year or strengthen an already-existing romantic relationship.

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Eat 12 grapes

Common in Spain, this tradition involves waiting for the stroke of midnight, then eating one grape for each clock chime. The twelve grapes represent the upcoming months, and popping them into your mouth is meant to welcome good luck and prosperity.

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Collard greens and black-eyed peas

This American tradition promises good luck and prosperity: the veggies’ color conjures the green of dollar bills and the peas represent coins.

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Empty suitcase

In Central and Latin America, people take a stroll with their luggage or put their suitcases in the middle of a room for people to walk around, as a way of attracting good travel for the next year.

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Break a pomegranate

In Greek culture, smashing a pomegranate after the ball drops means good fortune in the upcoming year.

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Open the windows

Irish New Year’s superstitions states that every door and window must be open throughout the home when the clock strikes twelve. This symbolises letting the old year go and welcoming in the new year.

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Wear polka dots

In the Philippines, people don the coin-like print to attract financial prosperity. If you've been following recent fashion trends, consider rocking polka dots for your NYE outfit this year.

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First foot in

The Scottish partake in “first-footing,” where the first person to enter the house on New Year’s Day is seen as a bringer of luck for the coming year. Traditionally, this person should bring a gift, but nothing too crazy! Consider packing a piece of coal, shortbread, or some whisky. 

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Red underwear

In Italy, many participate in the tradition of wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve to guarantee luck and success for the upcoming year.

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Pork and sauerkraut

The German tradition calls for eating this specific meal on December 31: the pig represents luck because of how they always move in a forward motion, led by their snouts.

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