You’ve heard of the traditional kiss at midnight with someone special but there are other traditions from around the world that might bring good luck in 2024. Maybe you have a tradition of your own but here’s how others are celebrating.
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Spain - Eat 12 Grapes
This tradition is for snackers. It involves waiting for the stroke of midnight, then eating one grape for each clock chime. The twelve grapes represent each month of the year and putting them in your mouth is meant to welcome good luck and prosperity. Some also believe eating the grapes helps ward off evil spirits.
Southern United States - Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas
Eating this dish on New Year’s Day promises good luck and prosperity: the greens resemble the green of dollar bills and the peas represent coins. Here’s to our finances in 2024!
Germany - Pork and Sauerkraut
If collard greens and black-eyed peas aren’t your style, try Germany’s pork and sauerkraut. Eat this meal on December 31. The pig represents luck because of how they always move in a forward motion. This symbolizes moving forward, instead of backward, in the new year.
Central and Latin America - Empty Suitcase
Do this if you didn’t do a lot of traveling this previous year, find an empty suitcase and take a stroll around the house or put the suitcase in the middle of a room for people to walk around, to attract good travel for the next year.
Greece - Break a Pomegranate
Pomegranates are often portrayed as sacred symbols, representing fertility and abundance. The tradition calls for getting a pomegranate blessed in church, then hanging the fruit on the front door. 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.
Ireland - Open the Windows
Houston weather permitting, this 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, inviting them in to celebrate.
Philippines - Wear Polka Dots
Bust out the polka dots or go shopping because the coin-like print attracts financial prosperity. Consider this a new item for your wardrobe.
Scotland - First Foot In
Hogmanay is celebrated until 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 that symbolizes luck, warmth, food, and prosperity.
Italy - Red Underwear
Red represents passion and love; two things Italians know very well. It’s serious business for them and wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve could bring luck and success in the new year.