What days shouldn't you wash clothes?

Why You Shouldn’t Wash Clothes on New Year’s Day

In many cultures, superstitions shape how we welcome the new year—some of which might seem odd at first glance. One such tradition says you shouldn’t wash clothes on New Year’s Day. The reason? It’s believed that doing laundry could literally “wash away” good luck or, in some interpretations, symbolize washing away a loved one during the year ahead.

This belief, rooted in folklore, isn’t just about avoiding chores—it’s about intention. The start of the year is seen as a powerful omen setter, so actions taken on January 1st are thought to reflect how the rest of the year will unfold. To invite prosperity instead, many turn to symbolic foods. In the U.S. South, for example, eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is a long-standing ritual meant to attract wealth and good fortune. Often served with greens (to represent money), the meal is as meaningful as it is delicious.

Another Southern staple? Pork. Pigs root forward when foraging, making them a symbol of progress and abundance. Eating pork on New Year’s—whether as ham, sausage, or in a stew—is believed to help you move forward into the year with momentum and riches.

While skipping laundry might seem like a small gesture, it’s part of a broader tradition of starting the year with mindfulness and respect for symbolic acts. Whether you’re cooking up black-eyed peas, savoring a slice of ham, or simply letting your washing machine rest, these customs offer a sense of continuity and hope. And who knows? A little extra luck never hurt anyone—especially when it comes with a good meal and a clean conscience (even if your clothes aren’t).