It doesn’t matter where you’re from, New Year’s Day superstitions transcend nationalities. There are plenty of different traditions that loved ones believe in and take part in to bring in the new year and celebrate. Whether or not you believe in good luck or financial fortune coming to you through obscure traditions passed along generations, there are fun rituals friends and families can partake in to simply mark the occasion. From washing your clothes to your dinner, from NYE through New Year’s Day, we’re breaking down some of the best superstitions to bring in 2024. Suggested read: Don’t Miss the B-2 Spirit New Year’s Day Flyover

What Is the Superstition About Washing on New Year’s Day?

Of all of the New Year’s Day superstitions out there, this is one you may want to pay attention to the most. Doing the laundry on New Year’s Day is a big no-no. As legend has it, those who do their laundry on New Year’s Day are “washing for the dead” and someone in your family will die. Starting off the new year in such an ominous way isn’t exactly an ideal way to bring in a new beginning. Besides, let’s be honest, doing laundry is about one of the least fun things you can do. It’s better to handle your chores either before or after January 1 just to stay on the safe side. Related read: 5 New Year’s Activities For Veterans to Ring In 2024

Seven New Year's Day Superstitions and Traditions From Around the World

The New Year's laundry superstition aside, several additional traditions take place around the world. Some are regional, others are cultural, and others have no clear origin but continue to be a part of the lore. Before you get ready to sing “Auld Lang Syne,” get to know some of the annual superstitions and traditions out there:

1. Kissing at Midnight

From the time of ancient Rome to modern-day, New Year's Eve superstitions start with sharing a kiss at midnight. Doing so is more than just a tradition to express love or mark the occasion. It’s also to prevent yourself from experiencing loneliness throughout the year.

2. Eating 12 Grapes

A particularly popular tradition in Latino cultures, it’s not New Year’s Eve without eating your grapes. You’re going to need to have exactly twelve to do it right, as you need to have one for each month. Thus, enjoying this treat means good luck and prosperity for each month of the incoming year.

3. Wear White and Find an Ocean

Brazilians are known to wear white during their superstitions for New Year's Day. While this alone is enough to usher in some good luck, if you really want to stay true to tradition, you’re going to need to find an ocean and jump over seven waves while donning your outfit.

4. Eating Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas

The southern New Year's dinner superstition of eating collard greens and black-eyed peas is a tradition. Representing financial prosperity and good health, some may substitute the greens for cabbage. Either way, you can expect to find some version of this dish in many homes south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

5. Cleaning Your Home

Out with the old and in with the new. While laundry is forbidden, New Year's Day superstitions can still include some chores. Instead of carrying old dirt with you, the idea is to sweep it away. A clean home equals a fresh beginning and a more successful new year.

6. Burning Pictures

Yes, the world is much more digital these days, so burning a photograph may not be as practical as it once was. But hey, there’s still a delete button, right? In Ecuador, they burn photos to erase past memories for the new year so that you can replace them with new ones. So, whether you’re grabbing a lighter or clearing more space on your device, there is a chance to renew and replace.

7. Keep Your Purse off of the Ground

There are many different countries that warn against placing your purse on the ground. If you do risk it, be warned that you are setting yourself up for bad luck and money problems all year long.

New Year’s Day Superstitions vs Reality

Coinciding with New Year’s Day superstitions is the tradition of creating a resolution. Regardless of how much you believe or don’t believe in such traditions, there’s nothing wrong with setting goals for yourself. If you’re willing to put the work in, good things are likely to happen. Get started with a resolution planner from NPR that can help you improve your health, wealth, and luck throughout 2024! Read next: The 5 Best Military Video Games In 2024