New Year's Eve Traditions in Brazil

I am from Brazil, a very Christian country, but once a year most of people get ready for rituals of good luck, and this is the time of year.

First of all, it's not New Years, in Brazil we commonly call it Réveillon, yes, in French.

And then probably the most popular ritual, dress in white. This started because of Candomblé followers, an Afro-American religious tradition, practiced mainly in Brazil. They dress in white for offers to Iemanjá/Yemọja in, a major water deity. These offer are done in the transition of the old year to the new year, in the beach. Nowadays people dress in white, either they are from Cadomblé or not.

Besides white, every colour has a meaning. White is for peace, yellow for money, green for hope, blue health, red or pink for love.

people jumping waves

The same applies for jumping waves, I really don't know the meaning behind this, all I know it's also for Iemanjá. But non followers usually do it to attract luck.

I wrote that before, but also on 31st, people tend to clean the house, in order to atract good energy. This is the last chance to leave your house to clean to new energy.

And of course, some food rituals.
Do you want prosperity? Eat twelve seeds of pomegranate in the year transition. But maybe if you want to have babies, a house full of love and people, good friendship and relationships, eat lentils. Or maybe, twelve grapes if you want money the whole year, but don't forget to separete it seeds and keep it in your wallet. And of course, don't forget to pop your sparkling wine, champagne, cider, cava, anything with sparkles!

Honestly, I don't practice and don't believe in any of these things, but I love thinking how different and important Reveillon is for brazilians. It's the time of year everybody bets high on luck, fortune and love. Time when we renovate our wishes, but also hopes of a better future.

With or without rituals, dare to dream, pursue your happiness and only accept the best and what you think you deserve.

Have you all a great New Years Eve, and an awesome 2018!

Cheers!