Why Latinos wear yellow underwear on New Year’s Day

In Latin America, the arrival of Christmas and, especially, New Year’s Day is not only celebrated with family dinners, music and fireworks. It is also marked by rituals that blend ancestral beliefs, hope and the desire for prosperity. One of the most popular and curious traditions is wearing yellow underwear, a custom repeated every December in millions of households.

For some, it may seem like a harmless superstition, while for others it is a gesture filled with meaning; what is undeniable is that this tradition remains alive and has become a cultural phenomenon that crosses generations and borders.

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The symbolic origin of the color yellow

The meaning behind yellow underwear is deeply tied to the symbolism of the color itself. In many ancient Latin American cultures, yellow represented the sun, vital energy, and new beginnings. It was the color of light, rebirth, and renewed cycles.

Over time, this symbolism merged with other interpretations. Yellow also became associated with gold, wealth, and fertility. From there emerged the belief that wearing this color at the end of the year could attract prosperity, abundance, and good luck for the year ahead.

A ritual repeated every New Year’s Day

Among the many New Year’s rituals, such as running with a suitcase to attract travel, eating 12 grapes, or carrying lentils in your pockets, wearing yellow underwear stands out for its popularity. It is easy to follow and widely practiced in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and Chile.

Tradition says the garment should be worn on the night of December 31. Some beliefs go even further, claiming that wearing yellow underwear inside out enhances its effects, attracting not only money but also love, health, and new opportunities.

Why this tradition is so strong in Latin countries

The strength of this tradition goes beyond superstition. In Latin culture, rituals serve an emotional purpose, they help close cycles and begin new ones with optimism. Wearing yellow underwear is, at its core, a symbolic act of hope.

In countries like Colombia, the ritual is so deeply rooted that lingerie stores see a significant increase in sales during December. Gifting yellow underwear is also interpreted as wishing joy, vitality and positive energy to the recipient.

Christmas or New Year’s? When it is really worn

Although many people associate this tradition directly with New Year’s Day, in some households it begins as early as Christmas. The reason is simple, December is seen as a period of transition, reflection, and preparation for what lies ahead.

Still, the key moment remains the night of December 31. For believers, that symbolic instant when one year ends and another begins is the perfect time to “activate” the energy of yellow underwear.

Beyond superstition, a gesture filled with intention

From a rational perspective, wearing yellow underwear does not change destiny or guarantee wealth, yet it plays a powerful role by reinforcing personal intention. By putting on this garment, many people mentally connect with their desires, goals, and expectations for the new year, turning a simple tradition into a psychological anchor for their future success.

In that sense, the tradition works as a collective reminder that every beginning brings new opportunities. It is not just about the color, but about the message it conveys, starting over with a positive mindset.

A tradition adapted to modern times

Far from disappearing, the tradition of yellow underwear on New Year’s Day remains strong and continues to adapt to modern life. Today, it coexists with social media, memes and marketing campaigns, while preserving its original essence,  attracting good fortune.

Ultimately, these traditions offer something valuable, the chance to begin the year with hope. And even if not everyone believes in superstitions, for many Latinos, saying goodbye to the year in yellow underwear is still a simple and symbolic way of saying yes to the abundance yet to come.