Everyone who celebrates New Year’s Day has some kind of tradition. Whether it is writing your New Year’s resolutions or drinking apple cider, most people celebrate with loved ones in some way. There are many superstitions that families and whole cultures believe will help bring good luck into the new year.

One New Year’s tradition celebrated in Latin America and some European countries is eating 12 grapes as soon as the clock turns midnight, in order to start the year off right. It is believed that if participants manage to eat the 12 grapes in the first minute of the New Year, they will in turn receive luck for every month of the year. This tradition is primarily seen in Latin America and Italy. Sophomore Oro Adame said the twelve grapes represent each month of the year. In Italy, in addition to luck for each month of the year, you will receive wealth for consuming the 12 grapes in time.

According to CNN, “At the stroke of midnight, they eat one grape for every toll of the clock bell.” Adame spoke about preparations taken before the actual event. She said that her family picks and washes the grapes. CNN claimed that some families even peel and seed their grapes (cnn.com).

In China, a common New Year’s tradition is not cleaning themselves or their house on New Year’s Day. It is believed that washing your hair will wash all luck away, and sweeping, similarly, will sweep away money and luck. “You should not clean your house or wash your hair on New Year’s because then you’re washing away the luck,” said Sophomore Dot Mau.

Cutting your hair is another recipe for misfortune. “The Chinese character for hair is the same first character in the word for prosper, ” according to CNN (cnn.com). Many cultural superstitions have been integrated into our New Year’s Eve parties. Fireworks and noise blowers are two prime examples. Making lots of noise when the clock strikes twelve is widely known as a way to show excitement for the new year. The tradition originated from Chinese culture, where people would make loud noises, or light fireworks to ward off evil spirits. One website explains that the first firecrackers were bamboo stalks thrown into a fire, which would then cause them to explode due to overheated air pockets in the bamboo stalk (americanpyro.com).

Chinese tradition also states that red is a lucky color and should be worn on New Year’s. The Chinese are not the only ones who wear red for luck. In fact, the Italian and Spanish wear red undergarments for New Years to bring luck and love . Red isn’t the only color worn on New Year’s. The superstition also states that green undergarments will attract well-being and life, white stands for peace and harmony, yellow for prosperity and wealth, and blue or wellness and good health. And many more colors and meanings are involved in the superstition (livingmividaloca.com).

A boost of luck from these many superstitions and traditions might be all you need heading into the new year. Perhaps this New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to try a red outfit or eat some grapes. It couldn’t hurt. Happy New Year’s Cents.