TikTok’s Viral ‘Grape Theory’: A New Year’s Tradition for Love

As New Year’s Eve approaches, TikTok’s latest trend, the “grape theory,” has captured the imagination of users hoping to start 2024 with a dash of romance. Dubbed the ultimate New Year’s Eve hack for improving one’s love life, the trend combines modern dating culture with an age-old tradition, blending superstition and fun.

The Trend Goes Viral

The grape theory gained momentum after TikTok user Izzy Dwyer shared her story. In her video, she recounted eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, followed by a montage of her blossoming relationship with her current boyfriend. Dwyer credited the ritual, discovered through TikTok’s #grapetheory trend, for her romantic success.

@iiizzymariee who wouldve thought🙃 #12grapes #newyearseve #lovergirl ♬ so baby baby come and save me – user82740327524

“I did it for fun, but it worked,” Dwyer told Metro

. She revealed that both she and a single friend found partners after attempting the ritual. While her boyfriend remains skeptical, Dwyer encourages others to give it a try, noting, “What’s the worst that can happen?”

Fellow TikToker Liliana Tuskia echoed this sentiment. In her viral post with over 16 million views, she showcased herself eating 12 grapes under a table at midnight, followed by footage of her wedding in August 2024. After four years of being single, she credits the tradition for her newfound love.

@alicebykuna Antwort auf @Hehe NEW YEARS eating 12 grapes at midnight on HOW does it work???????? #nye #12 grapes

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#tiktoktrend #fyp #midnight #2025 #manifestation ♬ Originalton – Alice 🧡

The Tradition Behind the Trend

Despite its viral status, the grape theory isn’t a new concept. Its roots lie in the Spanish tradition of uvas de la suerte or “grapes of luck.” For centuries, Spaniards have eaten 12 grapes during the final 12 chimes of the clock on New Year’s Eve, with each grape symbolizing good fortune for one month of the coming year.

The ritual has spread globally, with variations emerging in different cultures. While skeptics dismiss it as a mere superstition, many find joy in embracing the tradition as a lighthearted way to celebrate the New Year and set intentions.

@lilianatuskia

მართლა მუშაობს 😳

♬ we broke up lol – gatchi

Whether it’s a cultural homage or a playful experiment, the grape theory offers an entertaining way to ring in the New Year. Much like other TikTok trends, including the popular “October theory,” it has sparked widespread curiosity and participation.

With its blend of optimism, tradition, and a touch of romance, the grape theory is more than just a viral trend—it’s a reminder of the joy in embracing quirky customs as we step into a new year.

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