New Year’s Superstitions And Traditions, Explained: Avoid Cleaning, Eat Grapes And More

Eating grapes could bring good luck in the New Year

According to Atlas Obscura, Spaniards follow an age-old tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, one for each chime of the clock, symbolizing good luck for every month of the year. Those participating in this act must eat all 12 grapes before one minute passes.

While the origin of the “uvas de la suerte” tradition is hard to pinpoint, some say the historical belief dates back to the farmers from Alicante, Spain, who came up with the idea after having a surplus harvest to get rid of during the early 1900s. However, food writer Jeff Koehler said several newspaper articles suggest the superstition originated in the 1880s due to Madrid’s bourgeoisie, which copied the French, who had champagne and grapes on New Year’s Eve, per Atlas Obscura.

Although no one knows where the grape phenomenon originated, it has since taken over the country and other parts of Latin America.

Why is cleaning your home and doing laundry considered bad luck?

CBS News reported that many people rush to cleanse their homes and do laundry in preparation for the new year. However, this act may backfire, bringing bad luck and negative energy into their spaces instead. Superstition warns that anyone wishing to clean or do laundry on New Year’s Eve should avoid it until Jan. 2.

Whether you are washing clothes, doing laundry, or removing old items from your home, all of these acts could remove prosperity and possibly lead to a loved one’s death in the new year.

According to Britannica, the superstition may have originated in China based on the annual Lunar New Year festival. While a custom known as “sweep your grounds” encourages people to clean their homes 10 days before the New Year, it is considered bad luck to clean during the Lunar New Year itself.

What are other worldwide superstitions for the New Year?

Around the world, unique traditions mark the New Year, and they are often tied to superstitions and hopes for luck.

In Denmark, people smash plates on the doorsteps of friends and neighbors on New Year’s Day, believing that the number of broken pieces signifies the abundance of fortune they will have in the New Year, according to CBS News.

Greeks smash a pomegranate on New Year’s Day, as the fruit’s seeds are thought to represent abundance, fertility and eternity, according to Greek Reporter.

Meanwhile, in Brazil, many embrace the saying “Ano novo, vida nova” (new year, new life) by hopping over seven waves at midnight, with each wave symbolizing a wish for the coming year.

New Year’s traditions in the United States are typically centered on family, friends and lovers. For instance, a kiss at midnight is believed to bring luck and strengthen relationships, while the iconic ball drop in New York City’s Times Square remains an age-old celebration.