A red undergarment is traditionally associated with good luck on New Year's Eve in Italy.
In Italy, wearing red underwear around New Year's is a popular modern superstition linked with luck, love, prosperity, and protection from misfortune. In some versions of the custom, the garment should be new, and it may be discarded after the celebration. Practices differ by family and region, so the details are not universal.
Red already carries strong symbolic associations in many cultures, including vitality, passion, celebration, and protection. Italian New Year's customs also commonly include a festive meal with lentils, whose round shape is sometimes said to resemble coins and therefore symbolize wealth.
The custom should not be confused with a national legal requirement or a single ancient ceremony. It is a folk tradition, and many Italians celebrate without following it. Cultural descriptions also vary over whether the luck is primarily romantic, financial, or general.