Lucky grapes, empty suitcases and smashed plates: 13 New Year’s superstitions people live by

New Year’s Eve is not just about fireworks, overpriced champagne, and pretending you will actually keep your resolutions. Across the world, December 31 comes loaded with rituals, superstitions, and slightly chaotic traditions that people genuinely believe can decide their fate for the next twelve months.

From food rituals to outfit rules, here are thirteen New Year’s superstitions from around the world that turn the countdown into a full-blown luck ceremony.



One of the most universal New Year’s rituals involves locking lips at midnight. Rooted in European tradition and later embraced by American pop culture, the kiss is believed to bring luck, love, and emotional stability for the year ahead. Miss it, and superstition says loneliness could follow. No pressure.



In Spain, New Year’s Eve turns into a speed-eating challenge. People eat one grape for each clock chime at midnight, with every grape representing a month of the coming year. Finish them all in time, and you are promised prosperity. Choke on one, and well, fate has opinions.



In the southern United States, black-eyed peas and collard greens are served as edible good luck charms. The greens symbolise cash, while the peas represent coins. Cornbread is often added to represent gold, because nothing says financial stability like carbohydrates.



In parts of Central and Latin America, people walk around their homes or neighbourhoods with suitcases at midnight. It is believed to attract travel opportunities in the coming year. It looks unhinged, but frequent flyers swear by it.



Greek households smash pomegranates after midnight to symbolise abundance and fertility. The more seeds that scatter, the more luck awaits. It is messy, loud, and deeply satisfying.



In Ireland, doors and windows are opened at midnight to let the old year leave and invite new beginnings. Some also believe it welcomes the spirits of loved ones to celebrate alongside them.

In the Philippines, people wear polka dots on New Year’s Eve. The round shapes resemble coins and are believed to attract financial success. Fashion, but make it manifestation.




In Scotland, the first person to enter your home on New Year’s Day determines your luck for the year. Bonus points if they bring whisky or food. Bad vibes are not invited.

Italy goes bold with red underwear on New Year’s Eve. The colour symbolises vitality and prosperity, and many believe the underwear should be thrown away after midnight to fully reset energy.



In Germany, pork represents moving forward in life. Eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Eve is believed to bring momentum and good fortune.

In Denmark, people literally jump off furniture at midnight. It symbolises leaping into a fresh start. Heels are strongly discouraged.

In Brazil, people wear white for peace and head to the beach at midnight, jumping over seven waves while making wishes. Each wave represents a hope for the year ahead.


In places like Cuba and Puerto Rico, buckets of water are thrown out windows to cleanse negative energy. It is spiritual, dramatic, and slightly dangerous for pedestrians.

New Year’s superstitions may sound chaotic, but at their core, they are about hope, intention, and starting over. Whether you are smashing fruit or jumping off chairs, the goal is the same: walk into the new year feeling lucky.