The last day of the year, December 31st, is traditionally a
time of celebration, reflection, and resolutions. However, for some, this day
carries an ominous undertone, earning the reputation as an “unlucky day.” Several
myths and misconceptions and a range of historical facts create nasty myths
about misfortune of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. This blog post explores
the origins of this belief, explores why some people think of this as a day of
luck and how one can get rid of this belief and instead turn a day of bad luck
into a lucky one.
Some Brief Facts & History of Superstitions Related to December 31
People always believed in some superstitions, including the
fact that some days are considered to be unlucky. The last day of December has
a great meaning, as it marks the end of the calendar year. However, most
cultures consider it a transitional period, a doorway to the other period. In
such categories of transitional periods superstitions do prevail.
The Role of the Gregorian Calendar
The calendar which came into use in 1582 is known as the
Gregorian calendar and December 31 is the end of the year. This change in the
calendar introduced new ideas and even beliefs to peoples lives. Some people
considered that improper transition from one year to another makes it possible
to attract misfortunes. It is these fears that might have extended to the idea
that having a celebration on the 31st of December is unfortunate.
Historical events that have taken place on 31st of December
Certain historical events that occurred on December 31st
have contributed to its unlucky reputation:
·
1946: End of World War II
Hostilities – President Truman : Ending a war which cost millions of lives,
this was certainly a peaceful moment yet also signified an era that was all
about fatal strife.
·
1999: The Y2K Panic Peaks –
With the dawn of 31st December 1999, a general feeling of nervousness and
despair as to the effect of Y2K bug swept across the globe.
·
1983: The Nigeria Coup -
Military coup in Nigeria which affected the countries political stability as
well as brought unrest on the day of the event.
Values of Culture and Customs
Realizing active commitments Cultural practices regarding
New Year celebrations vary so that in many cultures December 31 st is followed
by rituals expressing a desire for avoiding bad luck. These practices confirm
the notion that day is capable of bring disaster if handled or approached in
the wrong manner.
Western Superstitions
In Western cultures, common New Year’s Eve superstitions
include:
·
First-Footing: In Scotland,
for instance, you are supposed to make sure that the first person to enter your
house after the stroke of midnight bring you fortune for the New Year.
·
Breaking Plates: In
Denmark, it is believed that the act of throwing plates at friends’ doors will
bounce back any bad luck, and bring in good fortune.
·
Avoiding Laundry: One of
the most common beliefs on New Year’s Eve is that doing the laundry on the last
day of the year will wash away a family member’s life.
Eastern Perspectives
In Eastern cultures, rituals around December 31st focus on
purification and preparation:
·
Cleaning the House: It is
worth noticing that in Japan, it is a tradition to clean one’s home on December
31st, so people begin the new year with a fresh start.
·
Omisoka: This Japanese
tradition is about eating long noodles to wish for long life and moreover
breaking free from earlier hardships.
Religious Observances
December 31st also has religious importance since is the
last day of the Solar Year. For example:
·
Watch Night Services: Among
Christians, especially in the United States, a New Year ceremony is spent in
prayers where people pray to God for protection and direction in the new year.
Why December 31st Feels Unlucky for Some
Several psychological and social factors contribute to the
perception of December 31st as an unlucky day:
1. High Expectations
New Year’s Eve is packed with expectations for fun and
happiness, for a good time to be had and for change. These expectations are
likely to fuel disappointment hence leading to the conclusion that the day
itself is cursed.
2. Year-End Reflection
A person can experience a message of regret, failure or loss
while going through the process of evaluating the previous year. These feelings
may influence views of December, 31 st as a unlucky day.
3. Social Pressure
The expectation to partake in celebrations, make
resolutions, or meet some targets results in stress. But for those who don’t
fit into this category or who cannot measure up to these standards, then the
day is as good as cursed.
Opportunity Knocked at the Door in Disguise of Misfortune
If December 31st feels like an unlucky day for you, consider
these strategies to shift your mindset and embrace positivity:
1. Practice Gratitude
That it is important to shift the attention to what worked
during the year to avoid fully succumbing to the misfortune mindset. Make
gratitude list so that you can easily get a notebook and read the positive and
happy moments in your life.
2. Set Realistic Resolutions
Maintain realistic resolutions that are inclusive of your
value system at the beginning of the New Year. This makes things easier and
increases the chances of an outcome in the process.
3. Engage in Meaningful Rituals
Engage in practices that promote positivity including yoga,
writing a diary or having good time with friends and family members.
4. Seek Community
Discussing with people who have similar perception as you
comforts and assures you that you ain’t alone in your thoughts. That is why
group chats and local communities may turn into helpful friends.
Conclusion
Even though December 31st may be considered a mystical and
historical date, it is a date as subject to interpretation as any other. If you
still consider this day as an unfortunate one because of past beliefs, it’s
high time to change those approaches and welcome a new day with more optimism.
No matter how people choose to read the book of life, whether with nostalgia,
regret, or hope – December 31 st presents a chance to turn over a new page in
their story.
May this New Year’s Eve demonstrate to us that
luck is what we seize from it and that each ending mark the start of something
new.
