What Does The 12 Grapes Tradition On NYE Mean & How To Do It Right

I don’t know about you, but it seems like every single person on my FYP is going on about eating a shit tonne of grapes for New Year’s Eve, and because I just love to be involved, I needed to investigate why. 

 

And, plot twist — I actually did the whole 12-grapes-under-the-table ritual last year… and it worked. Like, actually worked. I found love. Now, I’m not saying the grapes deserve full credit (though they’re welcome to take a bow), but the results speak for themselves.

So here’s a refresher on why people are doing it again this New Year’s and how you can join in — because after the emotional rollercoaster that was 2025, who’s turning down extra luck?

Go out and get those grapes ASAP!! (Image: iStock)

What does eating 12 grapes at New Year’s mean?

Alright, so picture this: the clock has struck 12am, and instead of pashing your crush or downing another glass of that cheap AF bubbly you thought was a good idea, you’re frantically shoving grapes in your gob.

Sounds like a choking hazard waiting to happen, right? Well apparently, it’s the key to unlocking a year full of good fortune.

Each of these 12 grapes is meant to represent a month of the coming year. So, if you manage to scoff down all 12 without looking like a hamster with stuffed cheeks, you’re supposedly setting yourself up for 12 months of smooth sailing. 

@nevaaqit_333

Come on do your magic 🪄🍇 #fyp #foryou #viral #newyear #grapes

♬ Supermodel (Couture Mix) – RuPaul

Where did the NYE 12 grapes tradition come from?

Surprisingly, this trend didn’t just appear on TikTok and actually has a lot of history to it.

This tradition hails from Spain, where it’s known as “las doce uvas de la suerte” or “the twelve grapes of luck”. It’s been around since the late 1800s, which means our great-great-grandparents were probably doing this before it hit your feed.

The tradition has spread to many other countries including Brazil and Mexico.

Legend has it that some clever grape farmers in Alicante, Spain, came up with this idea when they had a surplus of grapes. If convincing an entire country to scarf down their leftover produce isn’t a sign of good luck, I don’t know what is. So sign me up! If that’s not peak capitalism, I don’t know what is.

I wonder if it would still work if you chugged some white wine instead.(Image: iStock)

What are the rules for 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve?

@misssimmyp

I will do whatever we gotta do. #12grapetradition #newyearsgrapes #newyearseve #newyeartradition #NYE #12grapesunderthetable

♬ we broke up lol – gatchi

Okay, so you’re sold on this grape thing. But before you go raiding the fruit bowl, there are some rules you need to follow:

1. The OG ritual deems that you’ve got to eat all 12 grapes within the first 12 seconds of the new year. That’s one grape per second, people. Thankfully, these days you’re just expected to finish the grapes before 12:01am, so you;ve got options here.
2. Each grape represents a month, so as you’re inhaling them, you’re supposed to be making wishes for each month of the year. We love a multitasking moment.
3. For extra love luck, some people are eating these grapes under a table. Yeah, you heard that right. If you are looking for love in the new year, get under your table as the clock strikes 12am. If you want to go the extra mile you can tap into the Italian tradition of wearing red undies NYE for some extra love luck.
4. Traditionally, you’re meant to use white Aledo grapes. But let’s be real, unless you’ve got a Spanish fruit market in your backyard, any grapes will do.

Now, last year I actually tested the ‘under the table’ theory — yes, literally got on the floor with my grapes — and I did, in fact, find love.

That said, I wouldn’t call it foolproof. A few of my mates also ate their grapes under tables and are still proudly single. No shade — just reporting my findings for data’s sake.

Maybe it’s table dependent? Mine was wooden, some of theirs were glass (which, for the record, seems both dangerous and very on brand for our generation’s commitment to vibes over safety). My partner did say “11/10 would recommend” if that helps persuade you!

So there you have it. If you’ll excuse me, I’m off to restock on grapes — and maybe avoid any reflective surfaces while crawling under tables this time. Can’t risk jinxing the streak for 2026.

If you want to know more rituals you can do to manifest a great 2026, click HERE.

Have a great New Year besties!!!

Lead image: @amybrownnnn/@mabellemagpantay/@ichloex via TikTok

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