With the calendar flipping to 2026 overnight, many of us are looking for more than just a fresh start—we’re looking for a little bit of luck. Whether you’re deeply superstitious or just “playing it safe,” cultural traditions suggest that your actions on January 1st set the tempo for the remaining 364 days.
If you want to invite prosperity and ward off misfortune, here is your essential guide to the traditional dos’ and don’ts of New Year’s Day.
The Dos: Inviting Abundance
In the South, your plate is your blueprint for prosperity. According to Osceola History, the classic New Year’s meal is a symbolic powerhouse: black-eyed peas represent coins; collard greens mimic folding money; cornbread “shines like gold” and pork symbolizes “rooting forward” into progress.
A New Year’s meal of black-eyed peas, collards, cornbread, and pork/ham is steeped in the tradition of bringing good luck and wealth for the coming year. And, given Osceola County’s vibrant Hispanic heritage, you’ll likely see the Twelve Grapes (Las Doce Uvas) tradition. Originating in Spain, this custom requires eating twelve grapes—one for every chime of the clock at midnight—to secure twelve months of good luck.
Stock your sanctuary: According to Southern Living, an empty pantry on January 1st predicts an empty year. To ensure a bountiful 2026, make sure your kitchen is overflowing with staples like sugar, flour, and coffee. Entering the year with “plenty” ensures you’ll stay in that mindset all year long.
Manifest your miles: Want to see the world in 2026? Grab an empty suitcase! This beloved Latin American tradition involves running around the block (or through your house) with your luggage at midnight. It’s a playful way to “walk the clock” and manifest a year full of travel and adventure, according to Journey Latin America.
The Don’ts: Protecting Your Luck
Don’t “wash away” your wealth: This is perhaps the most famous rule: Step away from the washing machine today. Folklore warns that doing laundry on New Year’s Day could “wash a family member away,” or rinse out your luck before it has a chance to “settle”. Similarly, put the broom away—sweeping your floors might just sweep your fortune right out the front door.
Don’t let money leave the house: Keep your wallet closed for the day. According to Hispanic Global, paying bills, lending money, or making large purchases on the first day of the year sets a precedent for “draining” finances. If you want to keep your money, keep it in the house today.
Don’t carry out the trash: It may feel counterintuitive to start the year with a full bin, but taking out the trash is seen as “carrying out” the household’s prosperity. If you have literal or metaphorical “garbage” to dispose of, let it sit until Jan. 2.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can step into the New Year with luck and abundance, all the while honoring the rich traditions that come along with this special time. Here’s to a prosperous 2026!
