As New Year’s Eve draws nearer, it brings the same traditions of watching the Times Square ball drop and popping champagne. New Year’s is dedicated to commemorating unprecedented events, so rather than following the mundane ritual of crafting a flimsy resolutions list, try out new superstitions to welcome 2025.
Good Luck Rituals
On New Year’s Day, smash your way into good luck by honoring Greek tradition: pummeling pomegranates. Splatter your front door in an explosion of juice that may rival your neighborhood fireworks while watching the seeds scatter, symbolizing luck for the new year. Before chucking pomegranates at your door, though, don safety goggles to protect your eyes from seeds, as crying before the new year may set a negative tone and dispel luck.
For an instant blessing, try chomping down on grapes. In Spain, it’s customary to eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight to symbolize each month of the coming year. Be sure to make haste; if you choke or don’t finish eating, you risk misfortune.
Wealth Manifestations
A popular practice from the Philippines involves wearing polka dots. Believed to bring good fortune due to their resemblance to coins, the dots signify incoming wealth for the months ahead.
This fascination with round shapes extends beyond clothing and goes full circle to the dinner table, where ring-shaped foods such as donuts and cakes take center stage as symbols of prosperity. Vasilopita, a round Greek sweet bread, is often served at midnight to capitalize upon this idea. Hidden inside is a coin, and whoever finds it in their slice is meant to have a very fortunate year — assuming they don’t chip their tooth first!
Conjuring Love
Didn’t get a significant other for Christmas? Sleep with a sprig of mistletoe underneath your pillow to spend time with that special person no matter where you are. For those who worry they won’t find their future partner, have no fear! Simply peer outside the window on New Year’s Day, and you’ll see your “love at first sight.”
Spring Into the Future
Detoxing from unhealthy relationships and letting go of the past can be difficult. Tossing reminders of your ex out the window can help with this process, at least according to the Italians. Throwing dishes, clothes, and furniture represents making space for new experiences in life.
Similarly, tidying up the home plays a big role in many cultures when welcoming the New Year. In China and Latin America, people sweep away dust and clutter before the new year to clear away negative energy. Just be careful not to overdo it; no one wants to start the new year by accidentally vacuuming up their hopes and dreams. Other cultures believe sweeping the house drives away good luck. Whether you’re finally gaining the motivation to clean the house or finding an excuse to slack on chores, following these traditions is a win for everyone.
As the clock strikes midnight, the world’s superstitions remind us that starting a new year is about more than resolutions — it’s about hope, joy, and a little manifestation. Whether you’re smashing pomegranates, wearing polka dots, or eating grapes at record speed, each tradition adds to the fresh start we all crave. Who knows? A little superstition might make your year a bit brighter.
