From sand to toast: the sympathies that go through generations at the turn of the year in Rio

The arrival of a new year in Rio is not restricted to fires that illuminate the sky and the feast by the sea. For cariocas and tourists, the turn is also a time to renew hopes, make requests and follow traditions that go through generations. Amid the crowded beaches, white dress, jump waves and toast at midnight are part of a collective ritual that mixes faith, popular culture and good vibrations for the beginning year.

Among the best known sympathies is the leap of the seven waves. midnight, many people enter the sea to jump seven waves in a row, making a request to each of them. Another classic image of Réveillon is the use of white clothes. The color represents peace and spiritual renewal, turning the city into a “white sea”, a spectacle that has already become a trademark at the turn of the year.

A lot of money in your pocket, health to give and sell...

At the table, sympathy is also guaranteed. Eating lentils soon after midnight is a custom associated with prosperity and plenty, since the grains remember coins. The same goes for those who bet on the twelve grapes, one for each month of the year, thinking desires while consuming the fruit. On the other hand, pomegranate appears as a symbol of abundance: eating some berries and keeping the seeds in your wallet is seen as an invitation to make sure that money does not run out throughout the year.

Speaking of finances, there are those who reinforce requests by putting money in their shoes or wallets at turn time, symbolizing care and appreciation of prosperity. Another simple and popular sympathy is to keep a laurel sheet in your wallet, kept throughout the year as a sign of good opportunities and financial success.

For those seeking to begin the year with renewed energies, the herbal bath or thick salt, usually done on December 31, is a purification ritual. Herbs such as eucalyptus, mint and melissa are used to ward off negativities and bring lightness to the new cycle.

Even under the traditional white, many follow the superstition of colorful lingerie, chosen according to the main desire for the year: yellow or gold for money, pink for love, green for health and hope, red for passion and strength.

And, of course, the turn wouldn't be complete without the champagne toast. The cups raised at midnight celebrate life, joy and expectation that the desires made at that moment gain strength to be fulfilled.

Whether by faith, tradition or entertainment, sympathies are part of the Réveillon experience in Rio and help transform the turn into an even more symbolic, collective and hopeful moment for the beginning year.