Feliz Ano Novo - 5 Brazilian Traditions

Just one day to go and I will be celebrating my very first New Year's Eve in Brasil!

I will be spending my New Year's Eve watching fireworks from our balcony and drinking something delicious (You can find my Peach Cosmo recipe on the blog 'Party like it's 1999!').

But, what will other Brazilians around the country be doing?

5 Brazilian New Year's Eve Traditions

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Food;

Many Brazilians believe that what you choose to eat on New Year's Eve will influence how your next year will be. For example, Pomegranate is eaten in the belief it will bring financial prosperity.

You should keep seven of the pomegranates seeds in your purse or wallet until the next New Year's Eve.

Pomegranate is also associated with fertility. Lentils and grapes are also believed to attract fortune.

Jumping Seven Waves;

Jumping seven waves is a famous tradition in Brasil.

The country is known for its beautiful beaches and most Brazilians like to welcome the New Year by the beach.

According to the Greeks, the ocean has healing spiritual powers, but it was the Africans who brought the tradition of jumping waves to Brasil.

By jumping the waves, you invoke Yemanja (The sea goddess) who gives us strength to overcome the difficulties of the coming year.

Colourful Underwear;

A bit of a random one!

Many women choose their New Year's underwear according to their wishes for the year to come.

Yellow or Gold = Money.

Pink or Red = Love.

Green = Hope.

White Clothes;

Most Brazilians make a point of wearing white clothes to welcome the new year.

The colour white is associated with peace.

The tradition of wearing white clothes on New Year's Eve in Brazil came from African tribes who would wear white robes to honor Yemanja (The sea goddess) at the turn of the year.

(Hiding that colourful underwear may be a little difficult with your white dress!)

Yemanja;

As you will have noticed Yemanja is a very important part of the Brazilian traditions.

It is not unusual to find people throwing gifts in the ocean or leaving them by the beach in order to ask Yemanja for her protection.

Soaps and candles are common offers but due to protection of the environment, flowers have become a more popular choice.

Happy New Year // Feliz Ano Novo!