Kissing at midnight is so last year.
There are countless ways to manifest good fortune in the new year. As the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Day, people around the world will partake in a variety of superstitious traditions — many of which are deeply rooted in their culture, such noshing on symbolic foods and wearing bright colored underwear.
And this year, some TikTok users aren’t taking any chances, as clips depicting their unique New Year’s Eve rituals are going viral ahead of the holiday. One TikToker who goes by Vials, claims she’s “practicing every single New Year’s Eve tradition I see to summon a good year” — and she’s “not playing” with fate this time around.
In a frantic clip with 2 million views, she races around her house, crawling under tables, trying on red underwear and munching on the allegedly lucky foods — and she’s far from the only one. Searches for “new year’s eve superstitions” on TikTok has more than 10 million views as users vow to kiss bad luck goodbye at midnight.
If 2022 just wasn’t your year, get luck on your side with one of these New Year’s Eve traditions.
Eat 12 grapes under the table
This is no cake walk — it’s a grape walk! Some families are known to chow down on 12 grapes in 60 seconds, and this surprisingly difficult feat is reserved for the wishful thinkers.
In order to receive good luck in the new year, participants must eat one grape for every month of the year during the minute between 11:59 p.m. and the stroke of the New Year, all the while scrunched underneath a table. Those who succeed get one distinct wish granted per grape — so be sure to study them. The tradition won’t work unless you recall each one as you much down on grapes one through 12.
The superstition with Latin roots has gained popularity on TikTok as December comes to a close, with Gen Zers from around the world vow to test out the theory.
Run around the block with luggage
Pack your bags — you’re going on an all-expenses paid trip around the block.
In Latin America, avid adventurers run around their block with a suitcase at the turn of 12 o’clock, ensuring lots of travel in the coming new year. Similar traditions call for taking seven laps around the house.
So pick your poison and lace up your runners. Even if this doesn’t do the trick, at least you got a good workout in.
Step only with your right foot
Lefties beware, superstition enthusiasts believe it’s bad luck to take the first step of the new year with your left. Instead, step into 2023 on the right foot by, well, stepping with your right foot.
Drop your jewelry in some bubbly
Already got a flute in hand? Perfect — just drop your (ideally real) gold jewelry in it just before you toast. Legend has it that your bubbly bling can ensure a dazzling year.
Line your pockets
Prefer your champagne un-iced? Slip a few coins in your pocket — or your shoe, per some Latin households — to ensure full finances next year.
Wear some new clothes
It’s the perfect excuse to go shopping. In certain cultures, wearing a new outfit kicks off the new year with a fresh start.
TikToker Stephanie Matarazzo compiled her family’s Hispanic traditions in a viral clip, which included a nod to this superstition.
“What you’re wearing is new, right? Because you know, if it’s not new, it won’t bring you good luck for the new year,” she mimicked in a video with over 17,000 views, which also included other traditions like keeping money in your shoes and even burning a doll.
Choose your undergarments wisely
Red underwear can get you lucky in more ways than one.
According to certain traditions, wearing red undergarments on New Year’s Eve is a sure way to lock down love in 2023. But if you’re not interested in romance, wearing white underwear can manifest peace, while yellow can bring about wealth.
But steer clear of sporting an all-black ensemble as some claim it brings bad luck.
Toss things out your window
Out with the old and in with the new, as they say.
Throwing one’s belongings out the window is the Italian way of making room for some positive vibes. But when in Rome on New Year’s Eve, mind your head — as you may have the misfortune of getting bonked on the head by falling furniture.
Make some noise with pots and pans
“Don’t f—ing ask,” said one Italian TikToker, who goes by Tania, in a recent clip. “I remember being a kid going to my nonna’s house and after the ball dropped, another thing we used to do was go outside and bang pots and pans.”
The DIY cymbals are supposed to ward off evil and negativity, and beckon a very merry new year. And don’t worry about the neighbors — the fireworks should drown out the obnoxious clanging.
Eat plenty of lentils and risotto
Lentils are a symbol of good luck in many cultures, including some Italians who say that each legume consumed on represents a penny — thus, the more lentils eaten, the more pennies you’ll get next year. Similarly, rice grains grow more plump as they cook — a process said to evoke abundance in all those who eat it, according to Italians and other cultures.
Eat black-eyed peas and collard greens
This tradition is perhaps most commonly associated with the American South. Black-eyed peas is also a popular dish among Africans, who carried their recipes over to the US during the slave trade. And though collard greens is a type of cabbage native to Northern Europe, it’s the low and slow cooking method, usually with pork added, that defines this as an African-American dish. Especially with a rich and meaty broth, it’s become an auspicious meal to mark the New Year’s celebrations.
Open your doors at midnight
Give 2023 a warm welcome by opening your front door wide after the midnight countdown. Just don’t leave it open too long — lest you forget to close the door on 2022.
There’s no crying at his party
According to common lore, shedding tears on Jan. 1 will invite failure during your year to come. Try setting the right tone for 2023 by surrounding yourself with loved ones, eating your favorite foods or doing whatever you love to do — anything to keep you smiling.