As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, a quirky and meaningful tradition is capturing attention on social media—eating 12 grapes under the table to manifest love and luck for the upcoming year. This ritual, steeped in history and symbolism, is making waves as people share their success stories on TikTok.
The tradition originates from Spain in the 1880s, where surplus grapes were used to ring in the New Year with luck and prosperity. Over time, it spread across Latin America and beyond, evolving into a beloved superstition. NPR explains, "The Spaniards ate grapes and drank champagne on the last day of the year to capitalize on a surplus of grapes from that year’s harvest."
Each grape represents one of the 12 months, with a wish accompanying every bite. Some take the ritual a step further by eating grapes under a table for what they call "protection" while manifesting their soulmate.
Interestingly though, this viral grape-eating trend has sparked a surprising run on grapes in grocery stores, with many locations struggling to keep up with demand. TikTok user @saralemoinee shared a humorous video from a Toronto grocery store, showing empty shelves where grapes should have been, captioned, "Get out from under the table and focus on yourself babe. It's not worth it I promise."
@sarahlemoinee Some of us wanted to eat Boursin salami, and green grapes for dinner. Rip. #newyearseve #greengrapes
♬ we broke up lol - gatchi
The trend, driven by its promise of manifesting love and luck for the new year, has sent people scrambling to stock up on grapes, adding an unexpected twist to New Year’s Eve preparations.
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