12 Grapes at Midnight: Exploring the New Year’s Eve Tradition
Share this story
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, millions of people around the world quickly eat 12 grapes before the minute ends. This Spanish tradition promotes good fortune and luck in the 12 months ahead. And each grape represents a wish you want to work on becoming the best version of yourself in the coming year. But why grapes?
Although the tradition’s origin isn’t completely known, experts at Atlas Obscura believe the practice started with grape farmers trying to sell their oversupply of grapes. Another theory could be Spaniards copying the French tradition of having grapes and champagne on the last day of the year. The Spaniards wanted to mock French aristocrats by eating grapes by Puerta del Sol with the sound of the bells.
Eating 12 grapes to bring luck into people’s lives has been practiced for centuries, but some believe that eating them under the table can help reveal the love of their life to them. The trend is now celebrated throughout the world but is most famous in Spain. Stores in Spanish countries sell and advertise their type of “uvas de la suerte” to promote the tradition.
Many people believe that if you just manage to finish all 12 grapes in under a minute, the legend will come true.However, according to the Spanish tradition, that’s not accurate. Instead, you must eat one green grape before each of the 12 chimes at midnight, with each chime representing a month of the year. According to supermarkets from the articleWhy eat 12 grapes for New Year’s? Here’s what to know about the good-luck tradition: experienced members that take part in the tradition prefer peeled and pitted grapes in a can, because of their convenience and easier ability to consume. Sophomore Ngun Hluan commented that “the peeled and pitted grapes would be easier to eat compared to normal green grapes.”
In all, it is believed that eating 12 green grapes correctly can bring luck and fulfill wishes. The Spanish tradition might not necessarily become a reality, but the practice can be a fun experience for those who wish to participate. Participating in this fun custom adds excitement to celebrations with family and friends, making it a memorable way to welcome the new year.
Graphic by Sophie Shephard using Canva