Can You Wash Clothes on New Year’s Day?
New Year’s Day is a special celebrations that marks the beginning of a new year and it’s a time to enjoy with friends, family and special ones. But can you also do mundane chores like washing clothes?
The Superstitions Surrounding Washing Clothes on New Year’s Day
There is a long standing superstition surrounding the washing of clothes on New Year’s Day. It suggests that the washing of clothes on the first day of the new year is bad luck and will bring sorrow in the coming year. According to the superstition, It is believed that if one washes even one item of clothing on New Year’s Day, then that person will have to wash a family member’s funeral gown.
The Practical Reasons For Not Washing Clothes On New Year’s Day
Aside from traditional superstitions, there are some practical reasons for not washing clothes on New Year’s Day.
- Laundromats are busy: New Year’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year at laundromats. Many people are taking advantage of the fact that it is a holiday and that they have a bit of extra time to put in a load of laundry.
- Crowded streets: It is also a time for great merriment and celebrations, which leads to crowded streets and more traffic than usual. This makes it more difficult to get to a laundromat and back.
- Long waiting lines: As stated above, New Year’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year at laundromats. This means that there are often long waiting lines and increased competition for the few machines that are available. This can make it a hassle to do even the simplest of laundry tasks.
Conclusion
Long standing superstitions and practical considerations both suggest that it’s best to not wash clothes on New Year’s Day. Still, if you do decide to do the laundry on New Year’s Day, make sure you get there early and have a plan for getting back home when you are done.