Introduction to a Unique New Year’s Eve Tradition
While many people think about their New Year’s resolutions by creating a vision board or writing down a list of goals for themselves, some individuals have a different approach. For them, the tradition involves choosing the perfect pair of underwear to wear on New Year’s Eve, with the belief that the color of their underwear can influence their luck and goals for the upcoming year.
The Color of Luck
McKenna Rine, a Hell’s Kitchen resident, has been following this tradition for almost a decade. She believes that the color of her underwear can bring her good luck and help her achieve her goals. This year, she chose to wear green underwear, which she believes will bring her health and wealth. In the past, she has worn red for romance, yellow for financial luck, and black for power.
The Science Behind the Tradition
According to experts, there is some science behind this tradition. Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist, explains that the clothes we wear send signals to our own brain, and lingerie is particularly meaningful because of its private and intimate nature. The colors themselves may not be magic, but the ritual can boost confidence, motivation, and intentions for the coming year.
Cosmic Cheat Sheet
New York-based author and astrologer Lisa Stardust provides a cosmic cheat sheet for those deciding what color underwear to wear on New Year’s Eve. According to her, red represents passion, power, and desire, while yellow represents positivity and joy. Green represents abundance and prosperity, and black brings protection and healing. Blue is great to wear when you want to harness communication, clarity, and intuition.
Colors to Avoid
Stardust advises against wearing brown or beige, as they can stunt growth, and gray, which can cause indecision and insecurity. However, she suggests that adding a pop of color like red can neutralize the energy of these colors.
The Power of Symbolism
The symbolism of what we wear can shape how we think, act, and even appear. This concept is known as "enveloped cognition." Colors have symbolized protection, fertility, happiness, and prosperity throughout history and across different cultures. By choosing a specific color with a goal in mind, individuals can activate these levels and subtly influence how they feel and move through the new year.
A Personal and Emotional Connection
Therapist and identity expert Cynthia Flores notes that clothes carry meaning, memory, and intention. The emotional pull of the ritual is part of its appeal, and underwear is particularly powerful because it is private. It’s a silent intention that individuals carry into January, not something they do for someone else. By choosing a specific color, individuals can create a personal and emotional connection with their goals and intentions for the new year.
