Portuguese superstitions for the New Year

As the festive season approaches, it's natural to reflect on the wishes we have for the New Year. In Portugal, New Year's Eve is a unique combination of tradition, superstition and hope.

As fireworks prepare to light up the sky, the Portuguese observe ancient customs to ensure a prosperous year. From the symbolism of underwear to daring gestures such as climbing onto a chair with the right foot, each ritual is charged with meaning and anticipation for the months ahead.

Let's discover the most deeply rooted superstitions in Portuguese culture for New Year's Eve.

Colorful underwear for a happy new year

New Year's Eve in Portugal is full of magic, and it starts with the choice of underwear. It's traditional for the Portuguese to start the year wearing new colored underwear, preferably blue.

This choice is not insignificant, as blue is associated with luck, health and love. The idea of donning new blue underwear symbolizes the hope of a coming year filled with happiness and prosperity.

The twelve grapes of luck

As midnight approaches, every Portuguese prepares to welcome in the New Year by eating twelve raisins. Each of the twelve fruits, eaten to the rhythm of the twelve strokes of midnight, symbolizes one month of the coming year. This gesture is supposed to bring prosperity and happiness.

For each grape eaten, a wish is made, creating a tradition full of hope. This custom unites families in a collective gesture.

Climbing a chair with your right foot: A step towards luck

A curious custom adopted by many Portuguese is to climb onto a chair with the right foot at midnight. This symbolic gesture is interpreted as a step towards a lucky and successful year.

By putting their right foot forward, the Portuguese are hoping to foster a positive trajectory throughout the coming months, offering an opportunity for growth as the new year gets underway.

Making noise with pots and pans: Driving away evil spirits

The New Year is greeted with a merry din as the Portuguese take to their pots and pans to make the most noise at midnight. This festive tradition goes beyond mere celebration.

It's deeply rooted in the belief that the upheaval created drives away evil spirits and negative energies. By chasing away harmful influences, the Portuguese pave the way for a positive New Year.

These customs, handed down from generation to generation, bear witness to the Portuguese people's deep-rooted belief in the possibility of positively influencing their destiny.

As families come together, these superstitions add a special dimension to Portugal's New Year celebrations. Whether these rituals are followed with total conviction or simply for fun, they undoubtedly contribute to creating a unique and hopeful atmosphere for the year ahead.

Portugal is preparing to welcome 2024 with optimism, tradition and a touch of magic.