With the arrival of New Year's Eve, many people around the world gear up to celebrate with longstanding traditions and superstitions, particularly revolving around the colors worn during the transition to the new year. From Brazil to several parts of the globe, color holds significant meaning, believed to attract different energies for the upcoming year.
According to the Brazilian Institute of Fashion (IBModa), white remains the most popular choice during Réveillon, representing peace and renewal. It is deeply rooted in traditions from Afro-Brazilian religions, where the color symbolizes harmony. Ana Carolina de Santana, a fashion professor at Estácio, noted, "The color we choose for the turning of the year reflects our desires for the coming year. It's a way to express intentions through fashion, which goes beyond aesthetics." This notion extends to various colors, each carrying its unique symbolic weight: red for love, yellow for prosperity and happiness, green for health, and blue for tranquility.
Among the most cherished rituals is wearing white to signify unity and peace, complemented by other colors for specific desires. Meanwhile, the ritual of jumping seven waves at midnight symbolizes casting away negativity and welcoming good luck. Mãe Baiana, an Ialorixá, elaborated, "Jumping seven waves... is believed to be thanking or requesting for the coming year. Each jump is tied to seeking something good for the future – peace, prosperity, and success."
Interestingly, the choice of color is not limited to just fashion but extends to accessories too. The trend of adding colorful accessories to white outfits has been encouraged, allowing celebrants to combine aesthetic appeal with symbolic meaning. For example, pairing various colored beads or incorporative elements can represent the vibrant aspirations for the year.
Tradition also involves other integral practices, such as offering flowers and candles to Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea, as acts of gratitude and requests for blessings. Such offerings not only display respect but are believed to invoke protection and good fortune. Mãe Baiana stated, "Traditionally, people offer flowers to Iemanjá as tokens of appreciation. Such acts are deeply meaningful, encompassing love, respect, and the hope for protection over the coming year."
Each year also draws attention to various changing fashion trends. For 2025, moody earthy tones are gaining traction, led by the Pantone color prediction of Mocha Mousse—earthy and sophisticated, linking to warmth and comfort. Trends like soft pastels—mint greens and buttery yellows—are also expected to shine this New Year's Eve, aligning well with the tropical climate of Brazil and offering symbolism of tranquility and harmony.
Yet, the question of wearing black during the celebrations evokes conflicting views. While the color is often seen as stylish and elegant, it’s also associated with bad luck by some, as outlined by insights from the media. Experts warned, "Wearing black... might attract negative energies." Proponents of the color argue it provides sophistication and evokes feelings of empowerment. When asked, many consumers grapple with whether to take this risk come New Year's Eve 2025.
Looking to the future, there have been cautions advised against wearing exclusively white for the upcoming year. According to Kelida Marques, 2025's vibe demands more vibrant colors than ever. "While white promotes tranquility, it could also lead to too much serenity and inactivity during the year. Balancing it with other colors might attract more movement, energy, and strength," she suggested, proposing warmth and connection through earthy tones such as brownies and oranges.
For those seeking astrological guidance, different zodiac signs have specific recommended colors. Magenta or green aligns with emotional balance and love, blue promotes introspection, and lemon yellows imbue energy. These suggestions provide unique avenues for individuals to navigate through the lunar calendar with colors reflective of their aspirations.
So whether it's to attract peace, love, prosperity, or just to adopt the latest styles, choosing the right color can be both symbolic and personal during this time of transition. The New Year is for everyone, but how one presents themselves can color their future—and as traditions and trends evolve, it’s the individual touch on these customs brought alive through each celebrator's choice of clothing and accessories.