From wearing red to lentils at the table: New Year's traditions in Italy

The tradition of wearing a red dress on New Year's Eve has ancient origins. In fact, it dates back to 31 BC, during the reign of Emperor Octavian Augustus, when, on Roman New Year's Day, both men and women used to dress in red, a symbol of prosperity.

Thereafter, this tradition was more closely tied to undergarments. For example, in medieval times, the groin area was covered with red cloth to ward off bad luck. And it is just this colour of underwear that takes centre stage during the festive season, a tradition that everyone interprets in their own way. For some, it should be worn backwards and put back on the right way round after midnight, a gesture that is said to enhance the accumulation of positive influences.For others, however, the underwear worn to welcome in the New Year should be thrown away. The meaning is clear: out with the old in with the new, literally. When in doubt, to avoid the start of an unlucky year, it is best to respect tradition. 

Throwing away old things, or at least some of them, even if only symbolically, is another Italian New Year tradition. A superstition that symbolises leaving the past behind.

In ancient times, this ritual was practised by throwing old things out of the window. This is a custom that is particularly common in the south, but is practised much less frequently today than in the past: don't do it, it can be dangerous, unless you live alone in an isolated area. Fireworks and sparklers have the same meaning, although they are now banned in many Italian cities: at the heart of New Year's Eve rituals is always the desire to welcome the new, focus on positive vibes and chase away negativity. Even if it makes a lot of noise. 

In a country where gastronomy is an undisputed strong point, culinary traditions are certainly not to be overlooked. On the evening of 31st December, cotechino and zampone are two great classics that simply cannot be missed.

Cotechino is a traditional dish from northern Italy – the Modena variety has PGI status – but today it is eaten throughout the country, especially during the festive season. The tradition of eating it on New Year's Day refers to its nature: it is a fatty cured meat, obtained from pork, which according to Italian tradition is a symbol of abundance, fertility and spiritual strength, and therefore considered good luck. A second course always accompanied by lentils, which are also a must. Again, the reason is based on superstition: they bring good luck, so much so that in some families it is customary to serve them at the end of the meal, at the stroke of midnight, while in others they are eaten as a side dish. But why do these legumes bring good luck? Again, this custom comes from the Romans, who, on New Year's Eve, would give a scarsella, or leather bag, containing coins, with the hope that they would turn into money in the months to come.These legumes were eaten on New Year's Day.

It's not only by eating lentils that one becomes rich. The good luck rituals of Italian New Year's Eve at the table are linked to everything that can be counted. Besides lentils, there is a tradition of eating pomegranates, probably because of the abundance of seeds or their red colour.

In ancient times, the pomegranate was also a plant that symbolised wealth, good fortune and fertility. It is thanks to the Bible, where the fruit is mentioned as one of those that the exiles from Egypt would find in the Promised Land. It is also a Christian symbol linked to the Passion of Christ. Consider this: it also appears in many paintings with religious themes because it symbolises God's blessing. If you are invited and want to bring a special gift, bring a pomegranate plant; there is no greater token of good wishes.

More closely linked to local traditions is the custom of eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each month of the year. This is an ancient Spanish ritual, which quickly took hold in Naples and other areas of southern Italy during the years of Spanish rule.

Like lentils and pomegranates, grapes are also a symbol of wealth because they can be counted, and in this sense, they are directly reminiscent of coins.