This black as midnight tartan has just a touch of crimson to represent midnight kiss, perfect sytling for that countdown to the new year accompanied by a traditional embrace!

Although the tradition of kissing on the eve of the New Year is often traced back to the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, later European folklore added deeper layers of meaning to the custom. In many old beliefs, the first person you encounter in the new year—and the nature of that encounter—was thought to set the tone for the months ahead. A warm greeting, a kiss, or a friendly embrace was believed to invite affection, harmony, and good fortune, while a cold or solitary beginning risked ushering in loneliness or discord.

This idea closely resembles the Scottish and Northern European tradition of first-footing, where the “right” first visitor—often dark-haired, bearing gifts or kind intentions—was believed to bring luck and protection to the household. Across parts of England and Germany, a kiss at midnight was thought to “seal” happiness, ensuring love would not slip away with the departing year. In some rural lore, failing to kiss was said to invite emotional barrenness or quarrels, especially between couples.

Over time, these beliefs merged into the familiar modern custom: a symbolic moment where affection wards off ill luck, reinforces social bonds, and gently charms the year ahead. Whether shared between lovers, friends, or family, the New Year’s kiss survives as a small act of folk magic—an expression of hope that warmth, love, and good fortune will follow as the clock turns. May your new year be all that you would wish! ❤️ 🖤 ❤️ 🕰️ 💋 💋 💋