Scrolling through TikTok or Instagram reels, you might come across countless videos of girls sharing their New Year's Eve traditions — like eating 12 grapes under the table at midnight — and how they’re now in loving relationships with their significant others (SO). It’s easy to get caught up in the magic of it all and wonder: Are these success stories even real? Is it really just the grapes, or is there something more to these viral New Year’s Eve superstitions?
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, many cultures around the world turn to age-old superstitions to ring in the new year with good luck, health, and prosperity. For those seeking love, there's a whole host of charming and quirky traditions designed to help attract romance in the coming year. Whether you're single and hoping for a special someone to walk into your life in 2025 or simply enjoy embracing fun traditions, these New Year's Eve rituals are worth trying!
Here are other fascinating and playful superstitions from around the world that are said to help find love as the year turns.
1. Wearing red underwear (Latin America)
Across various Latin American countries, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is a popular superstition associated with love and romance. The color red is considered a symbol of passion, vitality, and love. By wearing red, you’re thought to be inviting love into your life in the year ahead.
Some cultures believe the underwear should be gifted to you (as receiving something is thought to enhance the energy of love). Others say you must wear it inside-out, only to turn it the right way once midnight has passed.
Another variation of this is to wear pink underwear, as pink is believed to summon true love.
If you’re single, consider trying this vibrant tradition as a fun and hopeful way to attract love in 2025.
2. Walking around the block with an empty suitcase (Colombia)
Looking to travel the world — and maybe meet someone special along the way? In Colombia, many people walk around the block with an empty suitcase on New Year’s Eve. This quirky tradition is believed to help attract travel opportunities and, in turn, the possibility of meeting someone new and exciting. Some also claim it opens the door for adventurous, romance-filled experiences in far-off places.
If you're seeking a partner who shares your love of exploration, give this superstition a try and see where it leads!
3. Jumping off a chair (Denmark)
In Denmark, there is a fun tradition to jump off a chair at midnight. It is believed that this leap will help you "leap" into good luck in the New Year, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. While this superstition is generally associated with avoiding bad luck, many young people tie it to attracting love as well.
Some even claim that by taking a symbolic leap of faith at midnight, you demonstrate your readiness for new beginnings, including romantic ones. So, if you're single and ready for love, don’t be afraid to take a leap — literally!
4. Burning an effigy (Ecuador)
In Ecuador, it's a common tradition to burn an effigy called an "Año Viejo" (Old Year) to symbolize letting go of the past and embracing new opportunities in the upcoming year. While the primary focus is on starting fresh, some Ecuadorians also associate this ritual with clearing out old emotional baggage, particularly in terms of relationships.
In the context of love, burning an effigy can be seen as a way of releasing past heartaches or unfulfilled romances, making room for new love in the New Year. If you're still carrying emotional baggage from previous relationships, this may be the perfect time to symbolically burn it away and invite new love into your life.
5. The "First Foot" tradition (Scotland)
The "First Foot" tradition in Scotland involves the first person who enters your home after midnight bringing luck for the year. For those seeking love, it’s especially important that this "first foot" be a tall, dark-haired individual (traditionally, this is said to symbolize strength and good fortune).
If you're looking for love, consider hosting a New Year's Eve gathering and hoping that your first guest might be someone with potential romance in their future. You can even give this superstition a fun twist by arranging for a tall, dark-haired friend to visit your home just after midnight.
6. Writing down wishes for love (Various)
In many cultures, writing down your wishes for the New Year is a popular tradition. However, if you're particularly focused on love, why not use this practice to manifest your ideal partner? Write down specific qualities or dreams you have about your future love life and then read them aloud at midnight.
Some people even burn the list afterward, believing that sending the paper up in smoke will release their desires into the universe. You could also bury your list in your garden to symbolize planting the seeds for new love to grow in the year ahead.
7. Making a wish at midnight (Global)
The tradition of making a wish at midnight is universal, but why not make it a romantic wish? As the clock strikes twelve, close your eyes and focus on your desire to meet someone special in 2025. The belief is that this first wish of the New Year will come true if made with sincere intent.
For an extra touch, write down your wish on a piece of paper and tuck it under your pillow, where it’s said to stay close to you while you dream of new beginnings.
8. Circle of friends (Italy)
In Italy, it's common for people to gather in a circle with their closest friends on New Year’s Eve and share their hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Some believe that this circle creates a powerful energy of positivity and can attract good fortune and love. As you ring in 2025, make sure to include your closest friends in this moment and speak aloud your desires for a romantic connection.
Embrace the Magic of New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is a time of fresh starts, new opportunities, and hope for the future. Whether you choose to eat grapes under the table, wear red or pink underwear, or dance with a broom, these superstitions provide a fun and festive way to invite love into your life. While these traditions are rooted in folklore, there’s no harm in embracing a little magic when it comes to matters of the heart. So, as the clock strikes midnight and the new year begins, why not make a wish for love — and see where the year takes you?
Happy New Year, and may 2025 bring romance, adventure, and everything your heart desires.
Keep an eye on this space if any of these traditions worked for our DAILY TRIBUNE Online Team.