As the clock strikes midnight on December 31, people around the world hold their breath, make a wish, and hope for good fortune in the coming year.
Whether they’re deeply rooted in culture or simply playful rituals, New Year’s superstitions have endured for centuries, shaping how people welcome a fresh start.
From eating lucky foods to avoiding unlucky acts, these beliefs offer a glimpse into how hope, fear, and tradition come together to mark a new beginning.
1. The First Footing
In Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom, the ‘first footing’ tradition dictates that the first person to enter your home after midnight will set the tone for the year ahead.
A tall, dark-haired man is considered the luckiest visitor, bringing prosperity and protection.
Blonde or red-haired visitors, however, are often deemed unlucky – a belief dating back to Viking invasions when fair-haired strangers were associated with trouble.
2. Out with the Old, In with the New
Across many cultures, cleaning the house before New Year’s Eve is believed to sweep away bad luck and misfortune accumulated over the past year.
In contrast, sweeping or cleaning on January 1 is strictly forbidden in some places, as it’s thought to sweep awa” the good luck that’s just arrived.
In China, this tradition takes on special significance ahead of the Lunar New Year.
People clean their homes days before the celebration to rid themselves of negative energy and welcome good fortune.
3. Eating for Luck: What’s on the Plate Counts
Food plays a major role in New Year’s superstitions. Certain foods are believed to bring good luck, wealth, and happiness.
Grapes: In Spain and parts of Latin America, eating 12 grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock, is said to guarantee good fortune for each month of the year.
Lobster: Some cultures believe that eating lobster before midnight on New Year’s Eve is bad luck. This is because lobsters move backward, which some say represents a year of setbacks.
Pork: Pigs symbolise progress because they root forward as they search for food, making pork a lucky dish in countries like Germany and Italy.
4. Noise to Chase Away Evil Spirits
The tradition of making noise on New Year’s Eve is widespread and stems from ancient beliefs that loud sounds can drive away evil spirits.
From fireworks and banging pots and pans to ringing church bells, the clamor is thought to protect homes from misfortune and clear the way for happiness.
5. No Empty Pockets or Empty Plates
In several cultures, starting the year with empty pockets, an empty wallet, or an empty pantry is considered a bad omen.
The superstition suggests that if you begin the year lacking essentials, you’ll face scarcity throughout the year.
For this reason, some people make sure their cupboards are stocked, their wallets have money, and their bills are paid before the New Year arrives.
6. Leaping into the new year
In Denmark, people literally jump into the new year by leaping off chairs at midnight. This quirky tradition symbolises leaving the past behind and jumping into the promise of a new beginning.
Avoiding Bad Luck: What Not to Do
While many New Year superstitions focus on attracting good fortune, others highlight what to avoid.
Crying on January 1 is thought to invite sadness for the entire year.
Breaking dishes, glasses, or other items is seen as a sign of misfortune or broken relationships in the year ahead.
Starting the year with conflict may set a tone of discord and negativity.
New Year’s Day marks a psychological reset, an opportunity to start anew, and many people use rituals to feel in control of what lies ahead. Whether these beliefs are cultural traditions or personal practices, they connect people to their roots and offer hope for brighter days.
