SAccording to some traditions, old things are thrown from the balcony, according to others you should wear red underwear, a symbol of love and passion. The good luck rituals to be performed on New Year’s Eve are the most diverse, some come from far away and others have lasted for decades. On the other hand, with the arrival of the new year the whole world is engaging in rituals, habits and customs that have been handed down for generations. In fact, the idea is that of to renew but also to hope for the best for the new beginning, between prosperity and happiness.
Good luck rituals, 5 from all over the world to try on New Year’s Eve
The idea of breaking old things is very widespread in the world. If in Italy there is the idea of throwing old things from the balcony, in Denmark people break plates by throwing them against the door and then picking up the pieces on the morning of January 1st; in Spain, however, 12 grapes are eaten at the sound of each stroke of midnight, while in many parts of the world people kiss under the mistletoe.
And to activate some economic prosperity, rituals in the world go crazy: in Greece St. Basil’s cake is prepared with a coin inside, just as in Scotland a silver coin is given as a gift, a symbol of good omen, but also bread, salt and whisky, symbols of abundance. We have selected five rituals from different areas of the world to try this year.
1. Among the lucky rituals for New Year’s Eve, a coin in the shoes
Chinese tradition, this ritual involves placing some coins in shoes on New Year’s Eve. This is done before December 31st, starting from the right foot and possibly using coins with a high symbolic value, leaving them there until after midnight. In fact, the shoes symbolize the year to come while the coins symbolize abundance and economic opportunities. A real ritual that symbolically indicates a path to wealth.
2. Wear underwear of a specific color
The ritual of wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is well known and known. In reality though red is not the only color suitable for this period. Beyond love, passion and the desire to find a partner, the other colors are perfect if your desires go beyond the sentimental sphere. For example, yellow symbolizes money and economic abundance, green health and hope, white inner harmony and blue tranquility and emotional stability. For every desire, its underwear. Obviously the colors, and therefore the underwear, can be mixed together. And if you spend New Year’s Eve in Brazil, remember that the lucky color is white and New Year’s Eve is celebrated on the beach by riding seven waves and making a wish for each one.
3. Rice on the table and candles lit before midnight
Perhaps not everyone knows these two traditions. It is in fact customary set the table for New Year’s Eve, including rice, a symbol of abundance. It can be an ingredient in the dinner or it can decorate the table, even a simple handful is fine, alternatively it can be put in your pocket. Another tradition, always auspicious, is that of light candles before midnight. But not just any candles. A white one, for peace of mind in the new year, a green one to symbolize wealth and abundance, and a red one for love. They must be left on until they are completely consumed.
Alternatively, always with a culinary theme, in Estonia has a good tradition on January 1st to eat 7, 9 or 12 meals. In fact, in the country these three numbers are a symbol of abundance, good omen and luck. Instead on December 31st In Greece, an onion is hung outside the door, a sign of rebirth for the new year, and a pomegranate is broken on the ground: the number of grains that are scattered indicates the luck that the new year will bring.
4. Suitcases outside the door
If among the wishes for the new year there is the desire to travelperhaps to undertake that journey so often postponed and dreamed of, what you need to do is go out with a suitcase. Widespread custom in Latin America, at the stroke of midnight you leave the house with your suitcase and go for a tour, even a tour of the building is fine. So we can hope for a nice trip in the coming year. Behind it there is in fact the idea of discovering new horizons, of opening one’s mind and also making new acquaintances.
Be careful, because there are rules: the suitcase can be empty or full, but if you want a particular destination, then you should include an object that reminds you of it. While performing the ritual, you must imagine the place you want to visit or travel. Finally, the ritual can also be performed on the run, a valid alternative for those who also want a quick trip next year.
5. The lamb of prosperity. In plain sight in Mexico
This ritual also comes from Latin America, from Mexico to be precise: place a wool or ceramic lamb near the door and in plain sight to attract prosperity. A very ancient tradition, over the centuries the lamb has become almost an amulet that is placed on the night of the 31st near the entrance or in a clearly visible place in the living room. The lamb is in fact a symbol of fertility and abundance, but also of reward after a year of hard work. A tip: the figurine must be placed in a clean and visible place, so that the energy flows without problems. And always in the Latin country, on December 31st theHogueraa bonfire, where you can throw stones or wooden ladles into the flames.