As the New Year approaches, traditions and customs surface worldwide, aiming to bring luck, prosperity, and happiness for the year ahead. Among these traditions is the Spanish-originated custom of eating grapes at midnight, which has recently seen a playful twist—eating grapes under the table. Here’s why this quirky practice has gained popularity and what it signifies.
The history of eating grapes on New Year’s Eve
The tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight, known as “Las doce uvas de la suerte” (The Twelve Grapes of Luck), began in Spain in the late 19th or early 20th century. Legend has it that the practice started when grape farmers in Alicante promoted their surplus harvest by suggesting it as a good luck ritual. Eating 12 grapes, one for each chime of the clock at midnight, became a symbol of prosperity for each month of the coming year.
Recently, a new adaptation of this custom has gained attention, especially on social media platforms like TikTok. Eating the 12 grapes under a table is said to attract luck in love. While this modern interpretation lacks the historical roots of the original practice, it adds a playful, hopeful element to the ritual, particularly for those looking for romance in the New Year.
How to do it
- Prepare 12 grapes: Ensure you have 12 seedless grapes ready before the clock strikes midnight.
- Position yourself: For the modern twist, find a table to crouch or sit under.
- Eat at midnight: As the clock chimes 12, eat one grape with each chime, symbolizing good luck for the corresponding months of the year.
The tradition reflects the universal desire to start the year on a positive note, imbued with hope and optimism. Eating the grapes is believed to invite prosperity, while the newer “under the table” variation adds a layer of romantic luck. This combination of old and new shows how traditions can evolve and adapt to modern sensibilities, making them more personal and meaningful.
