The coming of a New Year is symbolically celebrated by people all over the world in many different, wonderful and joyous ways. Many celebrate by exchanging gifts and spending time with loved ones, whilst there are some strange New Year superstitions that are believed by people around the world. They are all related with luck or lack of it in the coming year.
Wear New Clothes
Many people around the world believe that if they wear new clothes on New Year’s Day, they will receive many more new items of clothing in the New Year. Also, being dressed in red on New Year’s Day supposedly brings good luck and prosperity due to the connotations of happiness and a bright future associated with the colour red.
New Year’s Day New-Born
Babies born on the 1st of January are believed to have unrivalled luck throughout their lives.
Avoid Crying!
Many people believe that crying on New Year’s Day will bring bad luck for the following year.
Keep The Doors Open
At midnight on New Year’s Eve, some people believe that all the doors in the house should be opened in order to let the previous year escape unhindered.
Kiss At Midnight
One of the more well-known customs of New Year’s Eve is to kiss at midnight. People believe that bringing in the New Year with a kiss will increase the affection they receive in the coming year.
Dance Outdoors At Midnight
This refers to a less well-known tradition related with the love of dancing outside near a tree on the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. It supposedly brings luck in love and prosperity throughout the coming year.
Finish The Bottle
Many people believe that drinking the remnants of a bottle from the previous night on New Year’s Day will bring good fortune.
Don´t Do Housework
Some people believe that washing dishes or clothes on New Year’s Day will lead to a death in the family. Some people even refrain from washing themselves in order to avoid bad luck!
Avoid Profanities
According to some people, using foul language on New Year’s Day brings bad luck, so behave nicely!
Don´t Let Precious Things Leave The House
It is believed by some that if precious or expensive things such as jewellery or money leave the house, luck will also leave the house too. Some people don’t even take out the trash to avoid bad luck.
Pay Off All Debts
Some people try to pay off all debts before New Year’s Day to avoid financial bad luck.
Make Noise At Midnight!
People in many countries believe that loud noises scare the devil off hence why there are many traditions involving making noise when the clock strikes 12. In many countries, church bells ring and fireworks are set off unanimously.
Fill Your Cupboards And Wallet
It is believed that having cupboards full of food and a wallet full of money will bring luck and prosperity throughout the coming year.
Give Gifts
It is believed that you should not leave your house until someone has entered. The first person to cross the threshold should traditionally give gifts for good luck!
The Direction Of The Wind
It is believed that the direction of the wind during sunrise on New Year’s Day determines your luck for the following year. Wind from the east brings natural calmness whereas with wind from the west you can expect wealth but the death of an important national figure. Wind from the south brings prosperity and a northern wind will bring bad weather. Finally, no wind means you can expect prosperity all throughout the coming year.
Many of these traditions and superstitions are practiced widely throughout the world. Don’t forget to check out some of our exquisite vacation rentals across the world or at least to remember a couple of these to bring good luck for the New Year.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!