The clock strikes midnight. A new year begins. And all over the globe, on January 1, people undertake their various rituals to invite good luck for the next 365 days. Maybe you have a tradition of your own, or maybe you’d like to get a head start on your resolution to try something new by inaugurating 2024 by giving an unfamiliar tradition a whirl—because, who knows, maybe it works? Whether you believe in the positive vibes these beliefs are meant to bring or just want to add some spice to your usual Champagne-drenched celebration, implementing a new tradition may be the perfect way to kick off 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) smooch to bring good luck in the upcoming year or strengthen an already-existing romantic relationship. This is definitely one of the sexier New Year’s traditions, but don’t sweat it if you’re not feeling this tradition, or if there’s no one around you want to kiss. (No, that doesn’t mean you’ll be lonely for the rest of the year.) There’s plenty more on this list for you to try out that doesn’t involve locking lips.
Eat 12 Grapes
Get your bowl of grapes ready to welcome the new year. 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. Some also believe eating the grapes helps ward off evil spirits. If you’re already a snack-lover, this might just be your new favorite tradition.
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. 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 didn’t do a lot of traveling this previous year, find an empty suitcase and get ready to roll around your house, or even block. 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.
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
You may not have polka-dot apparel lying around, but if you do, this is its time to shine. 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.
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 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 (a perennial favorite). The gifts symbolize elements of luck, like warmth, food, and prosperity.
Red Underwear
If you have a cute pair of red lace undies you’ve been wanting to wear, consider this your sign. 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. Not just a fun fashion statement, wearing red underwear on NYE is serious business for Italians, representing passion and love for the next 12 months.
Pork and Sauerkraut
If collard greens and black-eyed peas aren't your style, try Germany’s take on the New Year meal by cooking up 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. This symbolizes moving forward, instead of backward, in the new year.
