Best New Year's Superstitions to Bring You Luck in 2023

Eat 12 Grapes

Chances are you're already drinking your fair share of grapes come midnight. But in Spain, revelers also eat 12 grapes for each stroke of the clock.

Devour Ring-Shaped Foods

Now this is a superstition we could definitely get behind! Many cultures believe that eating ring-shaped foods like donuts, bagels, and cakes will bring good fortune full-circle.

Wear Polka Dots

Having wealth in 2023 could be as easy as popping on this fun print for your New Year’s Eve outfits. At least, that's according to a Philippines tradition.

Wear Polka Dots

Since the pattern resembles the shape of a coin, wearing it is said to bring prosperity for the months to come.

Step With Your Right Foot

Start the new year off right when you well, step into it with your right foot. In Argentina, stepping forward with your right foot right at midnight is said to bring good luck for the year. This tradition is also honored in various ways across several other cultures, too.

Carry an Empty Suitcase

Want to manifest more travel adventures in the year ahead? Carrying around an empty suitcase on New Year's Eve might do the trick, according to a Latin American superstition.

Make Hoppin' Johns

Ree makes Hoppin' Johns every year—and she's not alone. The dish, which has roots in African and West Indian traditions, has been a New Year's fixture

Don't Cry

This one might be easier said than done, but hold in those tears on January 1! Instead, have fun and think happy thoughts with the use of New Year's Eve games and funny New Year's jokes.

Make Hoppin' Johns

in the Southern United States since the 1800s, with black-eyed peas representing coins and collard greens standing in for cash.

Make Some Noise!

A superstition has it that making lots of noise will ward away evil spirits. So break out the noisemakers and turn up the New Year's Eve playlist!

Clean Your House

Tidy up, and not just because you're expecting company for New Year's Eve. In China and Latin America, legend has it that cleaning your house will literally sweep away negativity from your life.

Or Don't!

On the other hand, some say cleaning or sweeping on January 1st will "wash away a loved one" in the next year. It might be morbid, but at least you officially have permission to skip your chores!

Open Your Doors and Window

Opening your doors and windows just before midnight is believed to let the old year out and the new one in. Don't worry, there's no rule that you have to keep them open for long!

Fill Your Cabinets

It's considered bad luck to start your New Year with bare cupboards—some believe it will mean scarcity in the coming year. Find out which stores will be open on New Year's Day and stock up!

Eat Pickled Herring

In Poland and Scandinavia, people eat pickled herring at midnight to bring them prosperity for the year to come (the fish is silver like coins!). It's an easy tradition to honor: Just add herring to a smorgasbord platter with other smoked fish, bread, and more.

Fill Your Wallet with Cash

Kick off your year on a prosperous note: Head to the ATM and fill your wallet with cash. While you're getting your finances in order, settle any unpaid debts.

Skip the Lobster

Many cultures believe eating lobster on New Year's will bring you bad luck. Why? The crustaceans move backwards, which represents setbacks in the year ahead. Consider these great New Year's Eve dinner ideas instead!

But Add Pork  to the Menu

In Chinese culture the pig is associated with good fortune and prosperity, and according to German legend, pork is lucky because pigs look forward when they eat, representing progress. Both are great excuses to try these amazing pork recipes!

Snack on Soba Noodles

In many Japanese households, families will eat buckwheat soba noodles, which symbolize longevity and prosperity, at midnight. Try using them in Ree's veggie stir-fry!

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