Red clothing is traditionally associated with good luck at New Year in Italy.
Many Italians wear red underwear or another red garment around New Year’s Eve as a good-luck custom. Red is commonly connected with vitality, love, celebration, and protection from misfortune. The practice is especially associated with the transition from December 31 to January 1.
The tradition has several proposed explanations rather than one certain origin. Some accounts connect it with ancient Roman celebrations honoring Mars, while others emphasize later European ideas about red as a protective or auspicious color. The modern custom is also reinforced by seasonal fashion and gift marketing.
This practice is distinct from Italy’s lentil tradition, in which coin-shaped lentils symbolize wealth and prosperity. The color custom concerns clothing, while lentils are a festive food served at New Year meals.