In Spain, there's a beloved tradition that takes the holiday to the next level: eating 12 grapes under the table! Although it may sound strange, each grape represents a month of the year and the meaning behind eating it is quite romantic as many say that if you wish for love on each one, it will come true in the New Year. It's like a way to cast a love spell on yourself, and the tradition dates back to the late 1800s.
What happens if you eat 12 grapes under the table for New Years?
It is believed that successfully completing the ritual of twelve grapes can lead you to meet your soulmate. As the legend goes, if you eat a grape every time midnight strikes, you are setting your intentions in motion and are supposed to be the first step towards bringing someone into your life.
In fact, over the past two years, the adorable tradition has become a huge trend on TikTok and Instagram, with many people joining in, including Candace Cameron Bure's daughter, Natasha Bure. While the actress wasn't sure if it would work or not last December, she decided to give it a try and even recorded a cute video of herself eating twelve grapes under a table.
Fast forward to 2024 and it seems the tradition has worked, as she is now in the sweetest relationship with actor and YouTuber, Bradley Steven Perry. It just goes to show that sometimes, all it takes is a simple wish, a little faith and the magic of the New Year to take you straight to love.
12 rules of grapes under the table
While the specifics of the tradition may vary slightly, if you want to join in on this cool ritual, there are a few key rules you should follow:
Get the right grapes
Traditionally, green grapes are the main choice, although some people prefer to mix it with red or black grapes based on their personal taste. Although not a strict requirement, using Aledo grapes is considered the most authentic way to honor this festive custom.
Don't watch before midnight
In some versions of this tradition, it is said that you should not look at the grapes before the clock strikes twelve on December 31st. Doing so is thought to spoil their luck and affect whether or not they will cast their magic.
Where you eat grapes matters
If you want this ritual to work, you can't eat grapes anywhere in your house. Tradition says you have to get under a table and eat them there. Why? It's meant to be a way to let go of the past year and start over.
All grapes must be consumed
Remember, this tradition is not just about eating any amount of grapes, but about eating twelve of them. If you're missing even one grape seed, don't expect it to work.
Time is key
As midnight approaches, the clock will strike twelve times. Each bell is important as each represents a month of the new year and invites love into your life during that time, so you should eat a grape every time you hear a bell.
You must express 12 wishes
As you eat each grape, you must make a wish for the new year. Since there are twelve months, you get twelve wishes. That being said, you blessed priests tonight at midnight!
