Why red underwear on New Year's Eve?
Superstitious? Then you should definitely wear red underwear on New Year's Eve. We reveal what this New Year's custom is all about.By Vanessa Keppeler
Dezember 17, 2024
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Guide to happiness on New Year's Eve
When it comes to underwear for New Year's Eve, many people agree: it should be red. According to a centuries-old superstition, red underwear brings good luck for the New Year. It is not clear where the custom comes from. What is striking is that it is particularly widespread in southern Europe, especially in Italy. Some historians therefore believe that it dates back to the Roman Empire under Emperor Augustus. Under his reign, red underwear was considered a lucky charm.
Another theory is that the origin of the custom could lie in China. The colour red symbolises luck and prosperity in Asia. Wearing red underwear for the Chinese New Year is also considered to bring good luck. And it is possible that the traveller to China, Marco Polo, spread this custom in Italy through his reports in the 13th century.
Whether you believe in the custom or not... the happiness of love does come true for some: according to a study by the Universities of Liverpool and Prague, men find women who wear red particularly attractive. And from a practical point of view, red underwear is always worthwhile, as it can be worn perfectly under white blouses or T-shirts.