Red underwear on New Year's eve

I have hear about this tradition of wearing red underwear on New Year's. Can someone tell me more about it? Do you annually receive this gift from someone or do you buy it yourself? Do most people get new red undies every year or can you wear last year's? Do the stores showcase red underwear? (Like how seasonal items in the US are on display) Thanks! I really am a teacher and I like to share some of the information on your website with my students.

This "tradition" was imported 10 or 15 years ago... and I don't know from where (Italy?).

I´´m certain that the underwear has to be bought for you ! (A) I wouldn´t trust anyone buying me underwear , and ( B) Red would be out of the question ! .. So I guess this is one part of Spanish culture i´ll be ignoring !

So if it was imported from another country, does that mean that most people don't really participate in it?

No, many people wear red underwear. I don't do it, but we put red ribbons around the glasses with wich we provide for the new year (I don't know if somebody else do this, but it's better than wearing red underpants ;D)

Yes, it comes from Italy.

http://www.isabellasfrisco.com/new-years-eve-in-italy-customs.htm

As long as I'm not wearing white pants red chonies are fine with me!

I´ve no idea what chonies are so will have to look it up ! Did I get the first 2010 post ? Yippee ... What prize do I get MM ?

Well, I can assure you I didn't wear red undies. heheee...

Nope. Sorry, buddy. teachertraveler8 won that prize HERE with her comment at 12:57am about the Plaza Isabel II construction.

Mannnnnn !!! I thought I´d got it ! Congrats teachertraveler8 grrrrrrrr hehehehehehehe

MM, perhaps a recompense 1€ for the winner? and all happy, jejeje

Well, I don't know if it counts...It was only 5:57 where I was. I didn't even make it till midnight last night.

Steve...chonies is a word we use out here for underwear, primarily used with kids, such as...'make sure to put on clean chonies'. It comes from calzoncillos,(men's underwear).

What's interesting about the word is that is has been picked up by non Spanish speakers out here in particular the surfers calling them choners.

Thanks for the explanation OsoMajor ! Never heard that before !