New Year Rituals in Ecuador — Andean Wisdom for Closing and Rebirth
New Year’s Eve in Ecuador is a deeply symbolic celebration, filled with rituals rooted in Andean wisdom and collective energy. Nothing is random—every plant, every flame, every intentional gesture has a purpose: to close cycles, cleanse what weighs heavily, and create space for the year to come.
Among the most meaningful traditions are the energetic herbal baths, the symbolic burning of the Año Viejo effigy, the lively “viudas,” and intention-filled practices such as the 12 grapes, the suitcase ritual, or wearing color-coded underwear. It is a magical and profoundly spiritual way to end and begin again.
**1. Andean Spiritual Bath: Bitter Herbs on December 31st & Sweet Herbs on January 1st ** In Andean cosmology, water and plants are sacred allies. The end of the year is the perfect moment to rely on their cleansing and renewing power. December 31st: Bitter Herb Bath (closing and purification)
This bath is poured after your regular shower and not rinsed off. Its purpose is to:
- cut stagnant or heavy energies,
- cleanse the energetic body,
- release emotional residue,
- and let go of what no longer belongs in the new year.
Traditional bitter herbs include:
- Rue – breaks blockages and protects
- Rosemary – clears heavy energy
- Eucalyptus – purifies and opens
- Nettle – cuts envy and tension
- Bitter guayusa – awakens and renews
- Bitter verbena – harmonizes
How to prepare it: Boil the herbs, let the infusion rest, and pour it from head to toe, allowing the water to carry away what must be released.
December 31st is for letting go. Releasing burdens, memories, guilt, exhaustion, and emotional weight.
January 1st: Sweet Herb Bath (opening and blossoming)
The new year begins with sweet, fragrant plants that attract:
✨ renewal ✨ prosperity ✨ emotional balance ✨ clarity ✨ self-love ✨ abundance
Traditional sweet herbs include: Basil – opens paths Chamomile – blessings and serenity Lavender – emotional peace Sweet lemon verbena – clarity Cinnamon – prosperity Rose petals – love and beauty _ Sweet mint _– joy and freshness
Pour this bath with intention, visualizing what you wish to attract: new opportunities, healthy relationships, flourishing projects, and a balanced year.
January 1st is for blossoming.
