We’ve all heard of walking under ladders – but bad luck from cleaning? Yep, it’s a thing (Picture: Getty)
Getting your house in order seems like a terrific way to start the New Year – mopping those grubby floors, sorting the laundry pile, and tackling the toilet. Start as you mean to go on, and all that.
But don’t grab your bucket and bleach today – because superstition says it’s bad luck to do chores on January 1.
So is it bad luck to clean on New Year’s Day
It’s also the perfect excuse if your New Year’s Eve hangover has stapled you to the sofa. Result!
So, why is cleaning on New Year’s Day said to bring bad luck?
Here’s what you need to know.
Why is cleaning on New Year’s Day bad luck?
Several traditions, superstitions, myths, and old wives’ tales say you shouldn’t do any type of cleaning at all on January 1.
If you’re superstitious, hang fire on the cleaning (Picture: Getty)
One says that doing laundry on the first day of the year will ‘wash away a loved one’ – meaning that a friend or family member will pass away in the following 364 days.
If that’s not a reason to steer clear of JCloths, we don’t know what is.
Another says washing clothes or dishes on New Year’s Day will simply ‘wash away good luck’.
If only our laundry basket looked like this (Picture: Getty Images)
Likewise, sweeping the floors could also sweep away good fortune.
Even emptying your bins and taking out the rubbish is also a big no-no on New Year’s Day. Superstition says that removing things from the house could encourage prosperity to disappear.
Some traditions from various parts of the world also say that what you do on the first day of the year will reflect how the rest of it pans out.
So piling into the housework on January 1 suggests you’re in for another 364 days of hard, boring graft – and nobody wants that.
Of course, these are all just myths. But we’ll probably leave the bins, just in case.
What is considered good luck on New Year’s Day?
There’s lots you can do to attract good luck (Picture: Getty Images)
Well, for one thing, taking a break from the boring stuff isn’t all bad.
Enjoy your chore-free day, and take some time for yourself – banish any feelings of guilt.
You could also check out these New Year traditions that invite good luck, good fortune, and possibly even wealth into your life.
They include eating 12 grapes at midnight, wearing white, and taking a stroll with an empty suitcase to bring good fortune to travel.
Or, if you’re sure it’s all baloney, get vacuuming! And put those bins out.
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If you’re superstitious, avoid cleaning today!
