New Year's Eve: Kissing at Midnight & Global Traditions to Seal Fortune for 12 Months

• Kissing a partner at midnight on New Year's Eve is believed to seal affection for the next 12 months, with fears of loneliness for those who remain single.
• Global traditions include Spain's 12 grapes for good fortune, Southern US's black-eyed peas and collard greens for luck and money, and Greece's vasilopita cakes with hidden coins for blessings.
• Italians throw old furniture for renewal, Brazilians wear white and jump seven waves for wishes to Iemanjá, and Scottish 'first-footing' involves a tall, dark-haired man bringing gifts for luck.
• Irish folklore suggests banging bread on walls to repel evil spirits; some avoid lending money or cleaning to prevent sweeping away good fortune.
• In India, adapted customs include bursting firecrackers like Diwali, avoiding chores (dishes, laundry, hair wash) to prevent family misfortune, and wearing new clothes, especially red, for happiness.

Why It Matters: New Year's Eve traditions worldwide focus on rituals to attract love, prosperity, and good fortune for the coming year.