I looked up some New Year’s Eve traditions and picked the ones we might actually do. (aka food.) I’m pretty sure no one wants to throw a broken dish at a loved one’s front door. (But if you do, more power to ya! That’s a Denmark thing and is supposed to wish them luck.)
For luck and money, eat:
- 12 grapes or raisins at midnight, one on each chime of the clock. (Spain)
- 12 spoonfuls of lentils, again one with each of the 12 chimes of the clock at midnight. (Italy)
- Pomegranate seeds in groups of 7 (Brazil)
- Marzipan in the shape of a pig (Germany)
- Black-eyed peas and collard greens (US South)
- Pancakes (France)
- Doughnuts and ring-shaped foods (Netherlands, Philippines)
- Fish to represent abundance and progress
- Long noodles for longevity and prosperity
Wearing round shapes, like polka dots, promotes prosperity and good luck in the Filipino community. And again, eating round fruits—like oranges, watermelon, longan, grapes, and pomelos—are lucky, too.
Italians and Spaniards wear red underwear for luck. Wearing white in Brazil promotes peace.
In Russia, people reminisce on the past year on December 31, and then make wishes for the new year during the 12 seconds before midnight. They write a wish on a piece of paper, burn it, put the ashes in a glass of champagne, and drink it.
One Irish tradition is setting a plate for loved ones who died during the year. And if you put mistletoe or holly under your pillow on New Year’s Eve, you’ll dream of your true love.