In Mexico, there are many traditions to welcome the New Year, each with its own symbolism and meaning. On this occasion, we will focus on three of the most popular ones: wearing colored underwear, walking around the block with a suitcase and get under the table at midnight on New Year's Eve.

Wearing colored underwear is a very popular New Year’s tradition that many people follow to attract different things during the year that is beginning, depending on the color they wear. Each color has a meaning: red symbolizes love and passion; yellow represents prosperity and money; white stands for peace and tranquility; green for health; and blue for harmony and wisdom. The tradition consists of wearing underwear in the color that matches what one wants to attract during the year, from the night of December 31st until after midnight, while visualizing the wishes one hopes to fulfill.

Many people believe that in order to perform this tradition correctly, the underwear worn that night must be new, which is why days beforehand they go to a store to buy it. However, others believe the opposite and use underwear they already own.

Another very well-known tradition is to walk around the house or the block with an empty suitcase right after midnight. This ritual has a very special meaning and is associated with attracting travel, adventures, and new experiences or opportunities during the coming year. The empty suitcase represents openness to new opportunities, while walking around symbolizes leaving the old year behind and being open to future opportunities, as well as visualizing one’s desires and projects. Therefore, in this tradition, intention is also a very important aspect: imagining and projecting the trips and experiences one wishes to have during the year. Some families perform this tradition together, turning it into a fun moment that also creates a shared sense of excitement and hope. Some people even make it more personal by imagining specific destinations they would like to visit.

The tradition of getting under the table must be done as soon as midnight strikes. It is believed that by doing this, the person will attract love and find a partner during the coming year. Other beliefs associated with this tradition are that it strengthens existing relationships or that, even after finding a partner, the couple may get married.

We can say that these three rituals, like many others in Mexico, are a combination of fun, symbolism and hope, allowing many people to start the year with positive energy, clear goals, and the excitement of experiencing new things.

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New Year’s Rituals: Attracting Good Things

Recipe of the month: Mamá Susy Christmas Apple Salad