How Latinos Welcome the New Year - The 'Empty Suitcase'...Anyone?
2015 is saying goodbye soon and people from different countries all over the world are prepping up for some celebration and festivities to usher in the new year. This is also the time when traditions that have long been handed down from generation to generation are practiced. The typical ritual that has spread worldwide when the clock strikes 12 was for people to kiss those who are dear to them.
For millions of people from various nationalities, a general state of mind of welcoming in the new year means a fresh start, the beginning of a new chapter, another opportunity to start anew and getting a clean slate. Latin Americans, on the other hand, also have a couple of customary things to do that will usher in good luck and positive vibes in 2016.
Here are a few ways on how Latin Americans welcome the new year.
The Grapes
1. To bring in good luck, Latin Americans eat a dozen grapes when midnight strikes. One grape per each toll of the clock which represents every month of the year. In addition, a number of Latinos further eat an extra grape, for additional luck, of course.
Stash of Bills
2. According to Latin Times, Latin Americans welcome the new year by carrying a stash of bills in their pockets and holding it when midnight comes in order to attract money. It is also believed that when doing so, economic success will come in the years to come.
Underwear Color
3. The color of the underwear that Latin Americans put on when the new year comes has various meaning too. Yellow (el amarillo) means receiving abundant blessings in one's personal finances in the coming year. Red (el rojo), on the other hand, means getting lucky in the love department. Latinos believed that if they're wearing red underwear, the new year will be the time when they can find their soulmate.
Cleaning the Shack
4. To throw out the previous year's bad luck or negative vibes, Latin Americans either toss out old trash and clean their homes. To rid themselves of sufferings and problems brought about by 2015, grabbing a broom and sweeping towards the front door out to the direction of the street will do the trick. Another custom that Latinos follow to make sure all the bad stuff that happened in the previous 12 months will stay in the past is to write all the things or memories they would like to let go and forget is to burn the list and watch the fire consume their past troubles, as per Huffington Post.
The Three Potatoes
5. Latin Americans with roots from Peru and Colombia follows the tradition of throwing three potatoes: one unpeeled, one fully peeled and one-half peeled, under the bed at midnight in welcoming the new year. Then, without peeking, a person reaches underneath and grabs the first potato they touch. If he or she gets an unpeeled potato, it means money may come in; if fully peeled, they will face hardships financially; and lastly if half-peeled, some economic troubles are up ahead.
The Empty Suitcase
6. Lastly, the Daily News has learned Latin Americans who have wanderlust welcome the new year with an empty suitcase while walking around their neighborhood to usher in a new year full of trips and travels.
There may be a dozen or more of traditions that we follow in welcoming in the New Year, but, what is important that we stay true to our ourselves and believe that we can be better as we face 2016 with a positive attitude.
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