Eight slightly unhinged New Year rituals that the internet swears will fix your life

Every New Year comes with big resolutions, even bigger expectations, and—if you’re a millennial or Gen Z—a slightly unhinged ritual you absolutely have to do at midnight “just in case.” Logic? Optional. Vibes? Mandatory. Somewhere between manifestation culture, astrology TikTok, and collective burnout, we’ve fully leaned into weird New Year traditions that promise love, money, glow-ups, and, if nothing else, some prime Instagram story content.

But the real question is: do they actually work, or are they just fun little placebo rituals giving us a sense of control for about five-seconds? Probably the latter. Either way, being a part of these is exciting enough. And if you thought grapes at midnight was the weirdest one of the lot, hold on tight because we've found eight quirky New Year traditions that the internet can’t get enough of (and honestly, worth a shot if it works).

Eating 12 grapes under the table at midnight

What it’s supposed to do: Attract love and passion

It is a long-standing tradition in countries like Italy and Spain, now globally adopted by Gen Z via viral videos. The underwear hack might or might not attract love, but red is a power colour, and feeling hot on January 1 never hurt anyone!

Jumping off a chair at midnight

What it’s supposed to do: “Jump into” the new year with good luck

It's simple, dramatic, and slightly dangerous if you have had a few drinks. Of course, there is no science behind the belief, but where's the harm in starting the year with some main character energy?

Writing your manifestations and burning them

What it’s supposed to do: Release intentions into the universe

This one is for the spiritually inclined. All you have to do is write your goals, burn the paper, and trust the cosmos. Does it work? Psychologically, yes. It’s clarity, closure, and commitment wrapped in fire.

What it’s supposed to do: Attract wealth and financial stability

No empty wallets allowed—some people even add cash in foreign currency for “global abundance.” Honestly, it won’t replace budgeting, but it does set a scarcity-free mindset (and that’s something).

Breaking plates to smash bad luck

What it’s supposed to do: Release negativity and invite good fortune

It is a tradition popular in parts of Europe, where breaking plates (safely!) symbolises destroying bad vibes from the past year. Does it work? Emotionally, very much. Nothing says “new beginnings” like dramatically smashing old energy.

Eating 'round foods'

What it’s supposed to do: Symbolise coins and prosperity

From lentils to doughnuts, the rounder the food, the richer the year, apparently. Does it bring money? We don't know. But at the very least, you start the year well-fed and hopeful. That’s already a win.

What it’s supposed to do: Invite fertility, wealth, and prosperity

Rooted in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, breaking a pomegranate symbolises abundance spilling into your life. It’s symbolic, juicy, and visually stunning: It's basically manifestation meets aesthetics.

Here’s the thing: these may not work in a magic spell kinda way, but in a mindset-shifting, placebo-powered way? Absolutely. At times when control feels elusive, these rituals give us something small, joyful, and slightly ridiculous to believe in. And honestly, if eating grapes under a table makes you feel hopeful about love in 2026, who are we to judge?

Lead image: Netflix

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