Traditions: Red for New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is celebrated all over the world with parties and social gatherings, with fireworks and champagne spanning the transition of the year at midnight. Beside the worldwide celebration of the new year, there are so many traditions specific to each culture, continent or country. I like a lot the tradition that says that everyone, and especially women should wear something red for the New Year's Eve party.

Italians call New Year's Eve Capodanno (the "head of the year") or Notte di San Silvestro (the night of the saint celebrated on 31 December). Tradition provides a set of rituals for the new year, as dress red underwear or get rid of old or unused items by dropping them from the window.

Mexicans down a grape with each of the twelve chimes of the bell during the New Year countdown, while making a wish with each one. On New Year's Eve, those who want to find love in the new year wear red underwear and yellow if they want money.

The French call New Year's Eve "la Saint-Sylvestre". It is usually celebrated with a feast called le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre. This feast customarily includes special dishes like foie gras and drinks like champagne. The celebration can be a simple, intimate dinner with friends and family or a much fancier ball (une soirée dansante).

Spanish tradition says that wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve brings good luck.

In Venezuela, many of the traditions are very similar to the ones from Spain, with an over-emphasis in traditions that supposedly will bring good luck in the year forthcoming. Those who want to find love in the New Year are supposed to wear red underwear on New Year's Eve.

If you don't wear red underwear for the New Year's Eve at least wear something red, to get lucky and lovely :)