Our New Year's Superstitions

Happy New Year, may it be peaceful, joyful, bountiful and love-filled!

And so, a new year rolls around again. and this time with it, all the fears associated with 2012 come up. Naturally, we look back and we look forward. As another spin on the new year concept, let’s take a look at what old superstitions we have held about the right way to start a new year. I like to change my bed for the New Year and I always cook a good meal to start the year off right… what about you?

Well it is another superstition and I don’t even know why we do it. My parents are from Cuba and every year before 12 midnight we have to eat 12 grapes and I believe to make a wish on each grape that’s what I believe but I’m not sure. I would love to know if anyone else does this and why. I asked my mother and she can’t remember why, she is 80 so that is no help, but our family still does it every year. Weird or not.

More On Eating 12 Grapes

I would just like to comment on your superstitious behavior/tradition of eating twelve grapes before midnight on New Year’s eve. I have a friend who does this, and naturally we all made fun of her but asked her why she had to do this. She told us that eating twelve grapes before midnight was something her parents did and it was for good health in the next year. Melissa

Yes, I have also been taught by my former Boss to eat 12 grapes. They are for the 12 months of the year for prosperity in all areas of life. Marie

A very happy New Year, I would like to answer to the superstition to eat 12 grapes, one to each of the last 12 seconds before the old year is over with a blessing in your mind or a wish while eating quickly each grape. This is tradition in Spain and therefore came to Cuba and other lands of spanish language. Having in mind that grapes give good energy, I seem it fit, but more than one person has been having trouble swallowing that quick, so they sell skin and seedless grapes, counted in tins or plastic champagne glasses, by now in Spain. As for me, I prefer to embrace my beloved ones, close my eyes and make my wishes and blessings and eat the grapes later .-) Mischa

Here’s one from 1845:

On New Year’s Eve, in many of the upland cottages, it is yet customary for the housewife, after raking the fire for the night…to spread the ashes smooth over the floor with the tongs in the hope of finding in it, next morning, the tract of a foot; should the toes of this ominous print point towards the door, then, it is believed, a member of the family will die in the course of that year; but should the heel of the fairy foot point in that direction, then, it is as firmly believed, that the family will be augmented within the same period.

Only on New Year’s, you say!

From Our Visitors

On washing clothes

A superstition that has been in our family for generations is that if you wash clothes on new years day someone in your family will die within the year. Has anyone ever heard of this.?

The chinese believe that if you wash your hair or your clothes on New Years Day, (Chinese New Year) that you wash all your good fortune away for that year. Heard that on the radio. That said, I wash every day, including New Year’s. Victoria

Black-Eyed Peas

A superstition I have always had is to eat black-eyed-peas the first day of the year! I have no clue why but it’s just something i do. Samantha Ridenour

Bringing Coal

In Scotland, taking a peice of coal when first footing at new year was not only for luck but coal used to be expensive and you were keeping their fire burning while visiting. Also a black cat passing your way is lucky in Scotland. How about when an ambulance passing you must hold your collar until you see a four legged animal!! so funny! regards Heather Edinburgh

More New Year’s Superstitions

From one of our visitor’s: I noticed this superstition to be common amongst my Hispanic friends coined as “limpieza”. The term stems from the word limpiar which means to clean.

One is advised to clean their homes spotless. Clean under the beds, wash the clothes etc. The most important part of this superstition is to sweep all garbage out the front door rather than distribute it to a garbage can in the house. Basically cleaning the house of all that occurred during the passing year. To dispose of the swept up garbage in a home garbage can would not be ridding the home of the past years’ experience. All this be done before midnight.

How about this one:

(1873) To ‘draw blood’ is practiced in fishing villages on the northeast coast of Scotland under the belief that success follows. This act must be performed on New Year’s Day, and the good fortune is his only who is the first to shed blood.

But for the gentler among us, New Year’s was definitely a time to look ahead. Here’s how some folks celebrated this day in other times:

(1830) On the morning of New Year’s day before breakfast…the bible is laid on the table unopened, and the parties who wish to consult it are then to open it in succession. They must open it at random and place their finger on any chapter. It is believed that the ensuing year will in some way or other be described and forshewn by the contents of the chapter.

(1861) She stared wildly at me, and exclaimed ‘New Year’s Day! And I have never dipped;’…I gathered from her that is was customary to dip into the Bible before twelve o’clock on New Year’s Day, and the first verse that meets the eye indicates the good or bad fortune of the inquirer through the ensuing year.”

Yes, well, all these very interesting but, a long series of these published superstitions has to do with women. Apparently, among all our other ancient evils – it was really bad luck to have a woman show up first on New Year’s Day. Get these superstitions ladies:

(1821) On the first day of the year, it is deemed very unfortunate for a woman to enter the house first; and therefore an enquiry is mostly made whether a male has previously been there. (1825) The first Foot is of great importance on the morning of the New Year. That of a female is deemed unlucky; there is no objection, however, to that of a man. As women are most apt to attend to these things, the reason of the preference may be that the approach of a male seems to give a fairer promise of a sweetheart. (1855) It is considered unlucky to have a female come into your house the first thing on New Year’s morning. Young lads make a ‘good thing of it’ by selling their services to enter the houses first that morning.

(1866) Doors are chained up to prevent females from entering.

My goodness – as if that wasn’t enough, in 1870 this story was published:

(1870)” …aged about ninety, told me of the death of her mother who was seized suddenly with putrid fever one New Year’s Day. She had risen quite well early in the morning and was sitting sewing when two girls from a neighbour’s house came to the door to ask for horseradish. It was before noon and the sight of the girls gave her a turn. It was very unlucky. ‘Name of goodness’ she screamed, ‘what ails the girls to come about to folk’s houses on New Year’s Day in the morning? Sure as fate something will happen before twelve months are out.’ (1875) At some of the farm-houses, should washing-day chance to fall on the first day of the year, it is either put off, or to make sure, before the women can come, the waggoner’s lad is called up early, that he may be let out and let in again.

(1876) I knew a woman in her fifties who always arranged for a young man, preferably dark, to call at her house immediately after midnight on New Year’s Day…She told me it would be very unlucky were the first caller in a new year to be female.

Well – who knew! Such is the power of woman, I guess. So, there’s a few “olde” superstitions specifically relative to New Year’s itself. Once again, these are sourced through A Dictionary of Superstitions Edited by Iona Opie and Moira Tatem. The bracketed dates are source dates of publication.

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Readers' Questions

  • tobias
    Is it bad luck to wash dishes on new year's day?
    6 months ago
  • No, it is not bad luck to wash dishes on New Year's Day. In many cultures, cleaning up and organizing the house on New Year's Day is considered a way to start the year fresh and promote good luck.
    • charlotte
      Can you wash dishes on new year's eve?
      7 months ago
    • Yes, you can certainly wash dishes on New Year's Eve. There are no specific restrictions on doing household chores like washing dishes on that particular day.
      • semrawit
        Can you wash dishes on new years?
        7 months ago
      • Yes, you can wash dishes on New Year's. There are no specific rules or restrictions that prevent you from doing household chores on this day.
        • howard
          Why should a man enter the house first on new year's?
          8 months ago
        • The notion that a man should enter the house first on New Year's is derived from several cultural and traditional beliefs. However, it is important to note that these customs vary across different regions and cultures, and not everyone adheres to them. Here are a few possible reasons behind this practice:
          1. Symbolic representation: In some cultures, it is believed that the first person to enter the house on New Year's Day will influence the luck and prosperity of the household for the whole year. Therefore, having a man be the first one to step into the house is seen as a way to bring strength, protection, and good fortune.
          2. Historical significance: Historically, men were seen as the breadwinners and protectors of the family. Allowing a man to enter first on New Year's symbolizes his role as the head of the household, responsible for ensuring the family's well-being and success.
          3. Survival of traditions: Certain cultures place great importance on preserving traditional customs and rituals. Entering the house first on New Year's may be considered an age-old practice that is passed down through generations, aimed at maintaining cultural identity and continuity.
          4. Gender-based norms: Unfortunately, some societies still adhere to traditional gender roles, where men are expected to take the lead and be the providers and protectors. The practice of a man entering the house first might reinforce these gender-based norms.
          5. It's important to remember that these explanations are not universally applicable and may not reflect the values or beliefs of every individual or culture. The practice of who enters the house first on New Year's can vary widely, and it is ultimately up to personal preference and the customs observed in each specific culture or tradition.
          • Hazel
            Is it bad luck to wash your hair on new years day?
            9 months ago
          • There is no universal belief or superstition that states it is bad luck to wash your hair on New Year's Day. It often comes down to personal beliefs and customs. In some cultures, there may be traditions or superstitions related to avoiding certain activities, including washing hair, on New Year's Day, but this can widely vary. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what to believe or follow.
            • regina
              Are you supposed to clean on new year's day?
              9 months ago
            • There is no strict rule about cleaning on New Year's Day, but culturally, it is often seen as a time to start fresh and tidy up. Some people believe that cleaning on New Year's Day helps to symbolically remove any negative energy or bad luck from the previous year and make way for good luck and positive energy in the new year. Ultimately, whether you choose to clean or not on New Year's Day is a personal preference.
              • goytiom awate
                Is it bad luck to shower on new years?
                9 months ago
              • No, it is not bad luck to shower on New Year's. There are no specific superstitions or beliefs surrounding showering on this day. It is just a normal day like any other, and showering is a regular hygiene practice.
                • duenna
                  Is showering on new year's day bad luck?
                  9 months ago
                • No, showering on New Year's Day is not considered bad luck. It is simply a cultural superstition with no real basis. Feel free to shower and start your new year fresh!
                  • Prisca
                    Is it bad luck to shower on new year's day?
                    10 months ago
                  • No, it is not bad luck to shower on New Year's Day.
                    • katherine mckenzie
                      Are you not supposed to wash clothes on new years?
                      12 months ago
                    • There is no specific rule that you cannot do laundry on New Year's Day. It is a superstition in some places not to do any major activities on New Year's Day, including doing the laundry. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if you want to wash clothes on New Year's Day.
                      • kibra
                        Is it bad luck to clean on chinese new year?
                        1 year ago
                      • No, it is not bad luck to clean on Chinese New Year. It is considered a sign of good luck in Chinese culture to sweep away bad fortune and welcome in a year of good luck.
                        • awate
                          Can you sweep on new year's eve?
                          1 year ago
                        • Yes, it is still customary to sweep on New Year's Eve in some countries.
                          • rita
                            Why don't you sweep on new years?
                            1 year ago
                          • Traditionally, sweeping on New Year’s Day is considered bad luck. This is because it is said to sweep away the luck for the new year.
                            • Wegahta
                              Do you suppose to wash on new years?
                              1 year ago
                            • ? It is not necessary to wash on New Year's Day; however, this can be a personal choice.
                              • anna
                                Are you supposed to wash on new years?
                                1 year ago
                              • No, washing on New Year’s is not a traditional custom or superstition. It is not necessary or required for any special meaning.
                                • Victoria
                                  Is washing clothes on new years superstition?
                                  1 year ago
                                • There is no widely accepted superstition about washing clothes on New Year's. It is widely believed, however, that wearing new clothes on New Year's day will bring luck in the coming year.
                                  • mary townsend
                                    What will happen if you wash clothes on new years?
                                    1 year ago
                                  • Washing clothes on New Year's Day is said to "wash away" luck in the upcoming year. It is considered bad luck to wash clothes on New Year's Day; instead, it is better to wear clothes that are freshly cleaned from the previous year.
                                    • madoc
                                      Is it bad luck to wash clothes on sunday?
                                      1 year ago
                                    • No, it is not considered bad luck to wash clothes on Sunday. This is an old superstition and is no longer believed to be true.
                                      • Kerstin
                                        Why dont people wash clothes on new years?
                                        1 year ago
                                      • People do not typically wash clothes on New Year's Day as it is thought to bring bad luck. It is believed that washing on New Year's Day will wash away success and wealth of the coming year.
                                        • lea
                                          Are you supposed to wash clothes on new year's day?
                                          1 year ago
                                        • No, there is no specific rule about washing clothes on New Year's Day. However, it is a tradition to wear new clothes for the new year in many cultures.
                                          • tesmi
                                            Why can't you wash your hair on chinese new year?
                                            1 year ago
                                          • The Chinese New Year is a time of spiritual renewal and cleansing and washing your hair is considered to be bad luck during this important holiday. So, it is not recommended to wash your hair during Chinese New Year as it is believed to wash away good luck.
                                            • Jessica
                                              Why dont you do laundry on new years day?
                                              1 year ago
                                            • Laundry on New Year's Day is typically avoided as it is considered bad luck. This superstition dates back to ancient China, where it was believed that washing clothes on New Year’s Day would “wash away” one's good luck for the New Year.
                                              • ARTO SUOMALAINEN
                                                Why don't you wash laundry on new years day?
                                                1 year ago
                                              • It is considered bad luck to do laundry on New Year's Day as it is believed to wash away the good luck of the coming year.
                                                • eric
                                                  Can you do laundry on chinese new year?
                                                  1 year ago
                                                • No, traditionally it is considered bad luck to do laundry on Chinese New Year.
                                                  • alan sinclair
                                                    Can you wash your hair on new years day?
                                                    1 year ago
                                                  • It is not recommended to wash your hair on New Year's Day as it is considered bad luck. Instead, it is considered a better tradition to wear something new or clean out your house to bring in luck for the new year.
                                                    • tahvo sulander
                                                      Can you wash your hair on new year's?
                                                      1 year ago
                                                    • It is not traditionally considered bad luck to wash your hair on New Year’s, so you can indeed wash your hair on New Year’s Day if you choose to do so.
                                                      • brigitte
                                                        Is it bad luck to bathe on new year's day?
                                                        1 year ago
                                                      • There is no specific superstition regarding bathing on New Year's Day. However, if bathing is part of your regular routine, it is widely considered to be bad luck to miss it on such an important day.
                                                        • Marko
                                                          Is cleaning on new year's day bad luck?
                                                          1 year ago
                                                        • There is no definitive answer to this question as it varies from culture to culture and is largely based on personal opinion and superstition.
                                                          • SIMON
                                                            Can i clean my house on new year's day?
                                                            1 year ago
                                                          • Yes, you can clean your house on New Year's Day. However, it is important to remember that New Year's Day is a holiday in many places, and cleaning services may not be available. Before starting any cleaning projects, make sure to check with your local government or utility to see if cleaning services are available.
                                                            • Christian
                                                              Is it bad luck to clean on new years?
                                                              1 year ago
                                                            • No, it is not bad luck to clean on New Year's. In fact, it is seen as a positive sign to clean and organize your home and workspace in preparation for the New Year. It is thought to bring in luck and good fortune and create a sense of renewal.
                                                              • ruairidh
                                                                Is cleaning on new years bad luck?
                                                                1 year ago
                                                              • No, cleaning on New Year’s is not bad luck. In some cultures, cleaning on New Year’s is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
                                                                • pontus
                                                                  Are you supposed to wash laundry on new year's day?
                                                                  1 year ago
                                                                • No, it is generally considered bad luck to do laundry on New Year's Day.
                                                                  • fedele
                                                                    Is it bad luck to wash clothes on new years?
                                                                    1 year ago
                                                                  • This is a matter of opinion and superstition. Some cultures may view it as bad luck, while others don't. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how you feel about it.
                                                                    • holly
                                                                      Is it bad luck to wash laundry on new year's?
                                                                      1 year ago
                                                                    • No, it is not bad luck to wash laundry on New Year's. In fact, it is a common practice in many cultures to perform housekeeping tasks such as laundry on New Year's Day in order to bring good fortune for the coming year.
                                                                      • Mattalic
                                                                        Is doing laundry on new years day bad luck?
                                                                        1 year ago
                                                                      • No, there is no superstition associated with doing laundry on New Year's Day. However, some people may think it is a bit of a waste to wash clothes on a holiday when extra time can be spent with family and friends.
                                                                        • bella
                                                                          What is the superstition about washing on new year's day?
                                                                          1 year ago
                                                                        • The superstition states that washing clothing on New Year's Day is said to bring bad luck. It is believed that washing your clothes on the first day of the new year will wash away your luck and good fortune.
                                                                          • FRANCIS
                                                                            Is it bad luck to do laundry on new year's?
                                                                            1 year ago
                                                                          • No, it is not bad luck to do laundry on New Year's. However, some people avoid washing clothes on New Year's Day to symbolize starting the new year with a clean slate.
                                                                            • valentina
                                                                              Is it unlucky to do laundry on new year's day?
                                                                              1 year ago
                                                                            • No, it is not unlucky to do laundry on New Year's Day. It is actually considered to be a sign of good luck and prosperity. It is believed that starting the new year with a clean and organized home can bring success and wealth in the coming year.
                                                                              • TYTTI
                                                                                Is washing clothes on new year's day bad luck?
                                                                                1 year ago
                                                                              • The answer to this question depends on the culture and beliefs of the person asking. In some cultures, washing clothes on New Year's Day is seen as bad luck, while in others it is regarded as a positive sign of good fortune.
                                                                                • semret
                                                                                  Is it bad luck to wash clothes on new year's?
                                                                                  1 year ago
                                                                                • No, it is not considered bad luck to wash clothes on New Year's Day. Traditionally, it is thought to be bad luck to wash clothes at the start of the year if you are trying to ensure a prosperous year, but that superstition is fading out of modern culture.
                                                                                  • JAKUB
                                                                                    Is it good to wash clothes on new year's day?
                                                                                    1 year ago
                                                                                  • No, it is not good to wash clothes on New Year's Day. According to Chinese traditional beliefs, washing on New Year's Day is said to be taboo and could bring bad luck. It is better to avoid washing clothes on this day.
                                                                                    • fidenzio
                                                                                      Why can't you wash laundry on new year's day?
                                                                                      1 year ago
                                                                                    • It is considered to be bad luck to wash laundry on New Year's Day in many cultures. According to superstition, washing laundry on New Year's Day is believed to wash away good luck and fortune for the coming year.
                                                                                      • Mariam
                                                                                        Is washing clothes on new years bad luck?
                                                                                        1 year ago
                                                                                      • No, washing clothes on New Year's Day is not considered bad luck. In some cultures, it is believed that washing clothes on New Year's Day can bring good luck, health, and wealth.
                                                                                        • caitlin
                                                                                          Why can't you wash your clothes on new year's day?
                                                                                          1 year ago
                                                                                        • It is considered bad luck to wash your clothes on New Year's Day because it signifies a year of washing away good luck and prosperity.