As we bid farewell to another year, it's time to embrace the fresh start that New Year’s Day promises, complete with new hopes and big dreams. Around the world, cultures celebrate with unique traditions to welcome the year ahead. In Spain, one of the most iconic rituals involves eating 12 grapes at midnight, each symbolizing a wish for good fortune in the coming year. Curious about this growingly popular custom? Let’s dive into the meaning of the 12 grapes ritual, when to do it, and how to perform it step by step!
How to Perform the 12 Grapes New Year's Ritual: Timing, Meaning, and Steps
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Have you noticed everyone saying, “Eat 12 grapes under the table” before the new year begins?
A new trend has taken over TikTok and other social media platforms. Around the world, there are countless unique rituals to welcome the new year, and one of them is the old Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes.
What is the 12 Grapes Tradition?
The 12 grapes tradition is a ritual meant to make your wishes come true in the new year. Originating from an old Spanish belief, eating 12 grapes is said to bring good luck and help your dreams become reality. Each of the 12 grapes represents one month of the new year. Eating a grape for each month allows you to make wishes, set intentions, and outline your goals for that specific month.
How is the 12 Grapes Ritual Done?
Wearing red for good luck in the new year is outdated—eating 12 grapes under the table is the new trend! The 12 grapes ritual is performed exactly at midnight. But don’t just rush through it! You need to prepare your grapes before midnight on December 31. When the clock strikes 12, you should go under a table and, with each chime of the clock, eat one grape. This means you’ll eat 12 grapes within 12 seconds.
Which Grapes Should Be Used for the Ritual?
Choosing the right grapes is essential for the 12 grapes ritual. It’s believed that the taste of the grapes will indicate how the year will unfold. Sweet, juicy, and seedless grapes are ideal. However, it’s worth noting that the significance of these traditions lies in the meaning you attach to them, so ultimately, the choice of grapes is up to you!
Where Did the 12 Grapes Tradition Come From?
The roots of the 12 grapes ritual date back to 1895. It has been practiced for years in Spain and Hispanic countries across Latin America. Interestingly, grape growers may have had a hand in popularizing the tradition. In 1909, after a bountiful harvest, they sought a way to sell more grapes. Their advertising campaigns played a significant role in spreading the 12 grapes tradition. By 1962, Spanish television began showcasing the ritual every New Year’s Eve. With the rise of technology, the custom has since spread worldwide!