By Jennifer Lubrani

I am not superstitious. I especially don’t follow all those silly New Year’s rituals that so many perform year after year. That is until one member from the Colombian side of my family turned me into a New Year’s superstition believer.

You see, in Colombia, there’s a tradition that when the clock strikes twelve, you take a packed bag and run around the block so that in the upcoming New Year, you will ensure being rewarded with lots of travel.

And since I love to travel, I decided to try my luck one year. I packed a small bag and took to the streets at midnight. And let me tell you, it worked! That year, I traveled to about 10 new destinations – some for business, other for pleasure.

So as 2009 comes to an end, you better believe I have my bags packed and am ready for my jaunt around the block at the stroke of midnight tonight.

For good measure, I’ve looked into other Latin American superstitions in hopes of additional wishes come true – more money, better health, or good luck all year.

Before I settle on another superstition to follow, I thought I’d share some with you:

Mexico

Traditionally, what you wear on New Year’s Eve is thought to influence your destiny during the next 12 months. Dressing in white from head to toe invites good vibrations and assures a good year spiritually. Wearing green can help you obtain a year of good health. And wearing red underwear is said to bring love, while yellow underwear brings wealth. In case you had any doubts about the state of Mexico’s economy, the New York Times Economix blog noted that yellow undies have been flying off the shelves as 2009 winds down.

Cuba

In Cuban there is tradition of throwing a bucket of water out of a window in order to get rid of bad spirits or ghosts.

Spain

There is a very popular ritual in Spain of eating 12 red grapes (saying a wish before eating each of them so that throughout the year, the wishes will be granted). This is one of the most popular New Year’s superstitions that stretches across several other Latin American countries like Mexico, Colombia and Cuba.

Argentina

If you are looking for good luck in 2010, make sure to wear pink underwear— as this is what they believe to be the color of luck on New Yea’s Eve.

Ecuador

“Ano Viejo” or “Old Year“ is celebrated by creating a scarecrow looking doll that is dressed and stuffed with old newspapers and firecrackers. The dummy is usually placed outside the home and represents something that happened during the last year. At midnight each family lights the scarecrow doll on fire. The symbolizes saying good bye to the past and letting the new year begin.

Colombia

While different Latin American countries believe certain colors represent luck, if you want to follow their tradition, make sure you wear yellow underwear inside out for good luck in the New Year. For Brazil, they believe it just has to be new.

Dominican Republic

You’ll draw luck if you wear red or yellow undies and dress in light colors.

Follow Jennifer on Twitter at @meningioma