The New Year trend of eating grapes while under a table explained
As the clock struck midnight signalling the end of 2024, you might have seen videos and pictures of people on social media racing to scoff 12 grapes while crouched underneath a table.
In amongst our traditional 'redding' the house, first footing, lumps of coal and steak pie, scoffing a dozen green grapes before 12.01am is one of the more bizarre.
It's a trend which has taken off on TikTok in recent years, but far from being viral nonsense, it is actually a long-held Spanish ritual which dates back centuries. The tradition states that you should eat a grape on every gong before the clock strikes midnight. Each grape represents a month of the new year.
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The custom is thought to have started back in the 1800s but became popular in the early 1900s when farmers in the Alicante area produced an overabundant harvest and were looking for a way to sell their grapes.
TikTok participants say that by finishing the grapes in the alloted time you'll find love in the new year ahead. Some people have taken to the platform to testify to this after munching 12 grapes last year and finding a partner or even getting engaged.
However, the act - known as ‘uvas de la suerte’ (or ‘grapes of luck’) - is actually to welcome the New Year and bring good luck. And one Spanish TikTok user reckoned the point of the tradition has been skewed.
She said: "The whole point of it is for good luck and blessings for the new year. It's bizarre to me to go on TikTok and see a different version of what it is… it has nothing to do with getting a husband or getting engaged or love."
The addition of ducking beneath a table seems to be solely down to the social media platform, however. It doesn't appear to be a mandatory part of the ritual, the grape-eating is the main thing and can really be done anywhere.
The challenge, of course, is finishing all the grapes in such a short time. And that's not to mention the choking hazard. Young children should not be attempting this one - or should at least have their grapes cut up before getting involved.
Although in Spain it's mainly green grapes that are used, you can also use red. And you are not supposed to peek at the grapes before the bells as to do so spoils the luck the fruit holds.
Finally, be sure to make a wish each time you eat a grape. That's 12 wishes for the New Year ahead.
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