Why do we rely on New Year’s superstitions so much?

It’s New Year’s Eve.  The clock is about to strike midnight, ready for the brand-new year. You grab 12 grapes and make your way under the table, alongside your friends and family, prepared to have one each second of the countdown in preparation for your best and luckiest year yet. Around this time of year, there are plenty of superstitions that many follow, but where do they come from, and why do we obsess over them so much?

So, avoid cleaning, keep your home as dirty as possible on New Year’s Day, and let that pile of washing that has been sitting in your room for the past couple of weeks fester for just a day longer

Superstitions are beliefs that link actions to bringing luck or triggering a chain of unfortunate events. Superstitions have been around throughout history, some dating back to the Ancient Greeks, others to old folklore. Regardless of where these superstitions came from, there is no doubt that they have always been popular and ingrained within our society. Despite their popularity, there is no scientific proof that they work. However, they can keep our minds safe and comfortable. Psychologists such as Dr Albers state that superstitions can also bring bad luck: “If a black cat crosses your path one morning and you think about the superstition that says black cats cause bad luck, then you may be more likely to act in ways that make it seem like you’re having bad luck.” This shows how believing in something, whether it brings good or bad luck, compels us to act in a certain way, determining our unlucky or lucky fate.

In the lead-up to the beginning of a new year, superstitions are heightened because people do not want to risk having an unlucky year. This means that around the New Year, there are a plethora of different superstitions originating from all over the world. As mentioned, one would say that the most popular superstition for the New Year is eating 12 grapes, one for each strike of the countdown. This tradition originates in 19^th-century Spain, and has been adopted in other Hispanic countries, where it is known as “Las doce uvas de la suerte”. The tradition is now no longer unique to Hispanic communities, but, on account of social media, has become popular all across the globe. The 12 grapes represent each month of the year, and by eating the grapes, it is supposed to guarantee 12 months filled with luck and joy.

Another superstition, that I am sure many of us will be happy to participate in, is not to clean or do laundry on New Year’s Day. This superstition originates from Chinese culture, where it is believed that cleaning the house or doing laundry washes away all the good luck you have built up for the New Year. So, avoid cleaning, keep your home as dirty as possible on New Year’s Day, and let that pile of washing that has been sitting in your room for the past couple of weeks fester for just a day longer.

These superstitions seem silly, crazy even. But why do we rely on them so much? It all comes back to the idea of comfort and being in control

One of the traditions popular in Denmark for the New Year is interesting to say the least. It involves smashing plates and glasses on your friends’ and neighbours’ doorsteps at midnight, which is meant to bring good luck.  In addition, the noise made by the broken plates is thought to deter evil spirits. Danes save up old crockery throughout the year to participate in this tradition. If you wake up the next morning to a big pile of broken plates on your doorstep, it is a sign of a very lucky year ahead and a way to show love and appreciation towards others.

These superstitions seem silly, crazy even. But why do we rely on them so much? It all comes back to the idea of comfort and being in control. Believing in these superstitions creates hope and motivation, convincing ourselves that by doing these things, we will have a successful year. In addition, they provide structure and create a positive start to the new year.

Regardless of whether you believe in these superstitions or not, having your own personal ritual is a great way to bring in the New Year. Whether this is a superstitious ritual of not cleaning or more of a personal ritual, such as creating a vision board, both are positive ways to start the New Year fresh with a clean slate. So go out and buy some grapes!