If you're not chronically online and endlessly doom-scrolling on TikTok, you might be scratching your head over the sudden buzz about eating 12 grapes under the table at midnight. ICYMI, in 2023, WitchTok (TikTok's spiritual corner) blew up with centuries-old New Year’s Eve superstitions, hyping them as a way to manifest good vibes for the year ahead. One standout? The Spanish tradition, Las doce uvas de la suerte.
Filipinos might already have a hunch about what this is (thanks, 333 years of Spanish colonization), but if you're intrigued and ready to try your luck, we're here to guide you through it—your potential ticket to a prosperous 2025!
Sooo... Why Are We All Eating 12 Grapes On New Year's Eve?
In an article by Cosmopolitan Australia (yes, this tradition resonates with Cosmo girls from all over the world), they tackled that it's actually quite easy to grasp the concept of this tradition with Spanish origin. Las doce uvas de la suerte, or "the twelve grapes of luck" really just represent the 12 months in a year. Eating 12 grapes at midnight is supposed to bring in good luck for each of those months. Sounds simple enough, doesn't it?
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Well, yes and no. It's easy to get your hands on specifically 12 pieces of grapes, no big deal. But, the catch here is that you're supposed to finish them within the first 12 seconds of the new year, all while thinking of 12 wishes. So, yes, it kind of is overwhelming, not gonna lie. Luckily, you don't have to speak the wishes out into existence, just thinking of them while chewing furiously is enough! When doing it, just remember: 12 grapes at 12 midnight with 12 wishes within 12 seconds. Coincidentally, that also makes up angel numbers.
Surely, 12 pieces of sweet and juicy goodness are worth trying if it means you'll have a better chance at more luck in the new year, right? Success stories from those who've tried it in 2023 might just make you agree.
Bretman Rock On Eating Grapes Under The Table On New Year
Among the many who did this was Filipino-American content creator and resident Internet baddie Bretman Rock and guess what? He's had a pretty splendid 2024 as is, but what made it even more special is he's finally found his boo.
In an episode of Da Baddest Radio, Bretman shared that he helped manifest his relationship by eating 12 grapes under the table on New Year's Eve in one minute while wearing red underwear. He also shared that if you want to attract luck in a different aspect of your life—money, health, or wherever else, there is a different colored underwear for it.
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How do you eat 12 grapes for New Year's Eve properly?
The original tradition doesn't explicitly state that you have to do it under the table. But of course, there's nothing wrong or bad with choosing to do it there. That's especially true if you believe it would make more sense for you that way. After all, traditions have been passed down across generations so it would make sense that there would be different interpretations and variations of the original ritual as time passes. That's also why there was a difference between the time with which it was done by Bretman. Instead of doing it in 12 seconds, like the traditional Spanish custom, he finished his 12 grapes in one minute.
Dr. Daniel Compora, a folklore and popular culture professor at the University of Toledo believes that Bretman's iteration of eating the grapes under the table might have originated in Peru since the belief is also now being done in some parts of Latin America. This new variation might be aligned with the Latin American belief of protecting oneself when looking for love.
Meanwhile, in the same interview, according to Babbel cultural expert and language teacher Noel Wolf eating the grapes under the table in some cultures might also be a way of attracting your soulmate. Maybe this is why Bretman met and found his boo in 2024! After all, look at these holiday photos and tell me they don't match each other's vibe perfectly. Of course, you can't! They're freakin' adorable.
Noel added that other cultures also believe in wearing garments in lucky colors (not just undies, guys!) But especially red underwear to draw in more luck generally, not just in love! Anything for more chances of winning, right?
Ok, what color of grapes are we supposed to eat on New Year's?
In Bretman's Instagram post where he shared his experience of eating grapes at midnight last New Year's Eve, someone in the comments asked what color of grapes are supposed to be eaten. According to Bretman, he ate green ones but he found out the next day that they are supposed to be purple grapes. Despite that hiccup, he still got a manifestation come true!
Maybe that's because, according to Noel, any color of grapes traditionally work! Because the practice is more about what the grapes represent (12 grapes for 12 months) more than its color.
Green ones are only most often eaten due to its availability and sweeter taste. At the same time, while different variations of the ritual now exist, regardless of which one you do, what matters the most is your intention in doing it, too. It's more important that you actually believe in what you're doing than following it for literally exactly how you think it would go.
While munching on 12 grapes at midnight might boost your chances at good vibes and lucky moments, it’s not just about manifesting your dream year—it's also about making it happen. Luck and wishes are great, but pairing them with action, hustle, and a solid plan? That's the real magic. So, go ahead, set your intentions, chew those grapes, and get ready to slay 2025—one grape and month at a time. ;)
