15 Best New Years Superstitions That Could Bring You Good Luck in 2023
A midnight kiss, black-eyed peas and so much more to keep in mind for the 2023! 🎉
When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, you know what's supposed to happen, right? A kiss, of course, and blowing horns and letting those noise makers make their noise. But there's more to these traditions than you might think, and the same goes for other New Year's superstitions and folklore from around the world that you might or might not be familiar with. Like do you know to be particular about who walks into your house on New Year's? Here we rounded up 15 New Year's superstitions to consult as you make plans to ring in 2023.
Give them a read and then figure out just which ones you'll try this year with just a playlist of New Year's Eve songs in the background (perhaps while snacking on some appetizers just right for the occasion?). Be sure to document them, too, and then share the photos with just the right Instagram caption to go with them (the people need to know what is unlucky to do on New Year's Day too). Some superstitions are about love, some are about money, some are about your dinner plate, all will help you usher in the best year yet. Here's to 2023! May it be a lucky one!
Get a Midnight Kiss
It may seem like kissing someone at midnight is a way to show your excitement for the new year. But actually, it's thought that if you kiss someone you love as the clock strikes midnight, those sentiments will continue for the next 12 months.
Eat 12 Grapes (no more, no less) at Midnight
This food superstition that originated in Spain is meant to bring you luck for the year ahead. Just eat 12 grapes at midnight—one for every month—or put them on a skewer and serve as a fun New Year's Eve cocktail garnish.
Keep Some Extra Cash in Your Wallet
Want to enter a year full of financial prosperity? Then make a run to the ATM so you can fill your wallet with cash. Also, don't loan out any money on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, and don't start the year with any unpaid debts, or you could set a precedent for the months aheads.
Fill Up Those Cupboards
Check and see which grocery stores are open on New Year's Eve, because it's considered bad luck to start the new year with bare cupboards (signaling poverty and hardship).
Open Those Doors at Midnight
Actually, just before midnight, so you can let the old year out and welcome the new one. (It doesn't have to be for long—even those who believe in this superstition can get cold!)
Don't Clean the House
We can really get behind this superstition. If you're concerned about "sweeping" or "washing" away any luck coming your way, don't do any cleaning—including dishes and laundry.
Fill Up on Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas
If you want to keep with Southern tradition, eating black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year's Day will supposedly bring good luck and prosperity, respectively, in the months ahead. Whip up our Braised Greens and Black-Eyed Peas Salad and see what happens!
Avoid the Tears
Save your tears for another day, because crying on New Year's Day could set a year of sadness in motion.
Skip Eating Lobster Even If It's Calling Your Name
You may want to rethink any fancy New Year's Eve food ideas that include lobster. Many cultures believe that eating lobsters before midnight is bad luck because they move backwards, therefore setting you up for a year of setbacks.
Don't Leave the House...
...until someone enters from the outside first. And who that person is will supposedly will say a lot about the luck you'll have in the new year. (In Scotland, the first person in your home also has to bring you a gift!)
Eat Herring
Whether you like your herring pickled or fresh, eating it in some form at midnight is considered good luck in Germany and Sweden.
Make Some Noise 🎉
You may love buying noisemakers and fireworks to set off at midnight, but did you know the tradition originated from a superstition that making loud noise at midnight would scare evil spirits and omens away?
Beware of Eating Chicken
Similarly to lobster, chicken is also a superstitious food to eat on New Year's Eve. Because chickens have wings, all your luck could fly away! (But as far as we're concerned, our Crispy Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Rosemary can only add happiness to your life.)
Carry an Empty Suitcase Around
It can just be around your house for a few minutes, but in Colombia, it's seen as setting yourself up for adventures in the new year.
Were You Born on New Year's Day?
Then superstition says you'll automatically be lucky throughout your whole life—even more so if you're born at midnight!
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