In Italy's New Year's Eve tradition, red underwear is often worn as a good-luck charm.
Wearing something red, especially red underwear, is a popular Italian New Year's custom associated with luck, love, vitality, and prosperity. The garment is generally meant to be new, and some versions of the tradition say it should be received as a gift. Customs differ from person to person, so these details are not universal rules.
Red has a long association with celebration, strength, and protection in European folk traditions. In Italy, the New Year's practice became a lighthearted ritual alongside festive meals, fireworks, and family gatherings. The private nature of the clothing also gives the custom a playful character that distinguishes it from public New Year's costumes.
This tradition is separate from the Italian custom of eating lentils at midnight or during the New Year's meal. Lentils resemble coins and are linked with financial prosperity, while the red garment is worn for symbolic luck. Both customs can appear at the same celebration without having the same meaning.