The Bite 2 | Page 3

Twelve Grapes

One grape for each of the 12 bells of the clock and ask for a different wish in each bite. The grapes should be six green and six purple. The grapes symbolize your desires and projects for the 12 months of the new year.

Lentils

Some Ecuadorians eat three spoons of cooked lentils without salt in the first minutes after midnight. These represent abundance, prosperity, and economy throughout the new year.

Yellow Clothes

This tradition like the 12 grapes is one of the most popular in the country. The yellow color represents good energies for the new year. Some people wear yellow underwear to ensure happiness, good times and wealth.

Baggage

Ecuadorians have a tradition to walk a block after midnight. This tradition “ensures” a travel to another country for the people that do it.

Hug and Kisses

This is a tradition that people all over the world do. This represents love, friendship, and kindliness among the people that do it. It is usually with a message for a happy new year.