Every New Year’s Eve there are certain things I do as the clock strikes midnight. There are some I do without fail and every year I add a new one that I recently discovered.

I’ve learned most of these ‘rituales’ from watching programs on both Univision and Galavision.

I know many will see these as simple superstition and nonsense, which is fine. But it is not going to stop me from doing these things. The way I see it, if you believe, anything is possible. And admittedly, some will have your friends and family looking at you as if you’ve lost your mind, but seriously, who cares?

12 uvas (12 grapes): When the clock strikes midnight, you eat one grape for each stroke of the bell. With each grape you make a wish, but be as specific as possible so you may get exactly what you wish for.

Agua (water): As the clock strikes midnight, get a glass of water and toss the water out the front door toward the street. The water symbolizes the washing away or expulsion of tears, worries and negativity from your life so you don’t carry those things into the New Year.

Red panties: After the 12 grapes, this is probably the most well-known New Year’s tradition. Trying to find red panties in Mexico on New Year’s Eve can prove to be almost next-to-impossible. The significance of the red calzones is to attract love and passion to your life in the New Year. A variation on this is tying a red ribbon around your waist under your clothing. You’ll understand this variation more when you read the next one.

Yellow panties: The significance of the yellow calzones is to attract happiness and money. Wear yellow underwear so in the New Year you will not be without felicidad y riqueza.

Maleta (suitcase): Want to make sure you will travel in the New Year? Grab your suitcase, make sure it has clothes in it, and head out the door. Walk around outside a bit. You can also dale la vuelta a la manzana. Both of these will insure you travel in the New Year.

Papel quemado (burning a piece of paper):  If you want to rid yourself of all the negative things from your past, write them down on a piece of paper. Once you have written everything down, burn the piece of paper so none of the things you wrote down will be repeated in the New Year. This can be done before midnight.

Monedas (coins): This refers to good fortune and prosperity. Hold on to 12 coins, all of which must be of the same denomination. As the New Year dawns, take all 12 and toss them toward the heavens.

Dinero (money): This one refers to your economic prosperity. Greet the New Year with a coin in your shoe or with a folded bill (the higher the denomination, the better) in your pocket.

Ropa blanca (white clothing):  It is said that wearing all white to ring in the New Year will keep away illness and bring good health.

Velas (candles): Burning candles of certain colors is said to bring distinct energies. Blue for peace; yellow for abundance; red for passion; green for health; white for clarity; and orange for intelligence.

Sit down and stand-up: If you’re looking to get married, then this one is for you. For each stroke of midnight, sit down and stand-up for a total of 12 times.

So, there you have it. These are just a few things to do to welcome the New Year. No one can guarantee that following these rituals will make all your wishes come true. But it is fun and who knows, you may be starting a new family tradition.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!!!