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Old myth: Don't do laundry between the years
That's why you shouldn't do your laundry between Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Don't do laundry between Christmas and New Year? Find out what lies behind this old superstition and what myths are associated with it.
“Don’t do laundry between the years!” – you’ve probably heard this sentence before. But why does this custom persist to this day? Is it really just a myth, or is there more to it?
Why you shouldn't do laundry between Christmas and New Year
According to custom, white tablecloths or linens fluttering on a line in the wind could attract evil spirits. These could get caught in the fabrics and be carried into the New Year - which could have serious consequences for the family. In another, equally dark interpretation, the white fabrics are equated with shrouds. Hanging up such laundry could symbolically herald the death of a loved one in the coming year.
Customs researcher Manfred Becker-Huberti explains in an interview withdomradio.de, that such traditions are deeply rooted in human culture. Traditions and customs are a kind of guide, especially in times of transition - like between Christmas and New Year.
The connection with the rough nights
The origins of this custom are closely related to the so-calledRough nightsconnected, a mystical period of time betweenDecember 25th and January 6th. These twelve nights used to be considered a phase in which the houses were smoked out. Because the boundaries between the earthly world and the world beyond are blurring. The belief says that on these nights the spirit realm is open and the souls of the deceased can wander freely. The smoke or incense then offers protection from evil spirits.
According to Becker-Huberti, Christmas was postponed by 12 days, from January 6th to December 24th. This created “holes in the calendar” through which evil spirits and demons could invade.
“When [ghosts] get caught in the laundry, they take revenge.”
Prof. Manfred Becker-Hubert,domrado.de
Such times of transition have always been characterized by rituals, such as the ban on washing: “The demons and spirits could get caught in the laundry if it is hung outside. If they get caught in the laundry, they take revenge,” explains Becker-Hubertli.
Washing clothes was therefore considered taboo because it could disturb the spirits in their activities. Especially thisor other oracle rituals that are still practiced today are remnants of this mystical time.
Is the superstition justified?
Of course, there is no scientific evidence that doing laundry between the years is actually bad luck. But as Becker-Huberti explains, such customs are not just superstitions, but rather deeply rooted cultural traditions: “Traditions are deep and firm and they connect. Traditions are something that you live and that can also shape an area.”
This custom is still practiced in many rural areas today. From December 25th, the washing machines there will remain switched off - be it out of respect for the old traditions or simply out of the desire to be “on the safe side”.
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An old custom with a lot of symbolism
Whether you follow this ancient custom or not is entirely up to you. However, it is undisputed that the tradition of banning laundry has a long history, dating back to pagan times. It gives us a fascinating insight into the world of our ancestors and illustrates how important rituals and customs were - and still are for many people - especially in times of change.
Maybe this superstition simply offers you a good opportunity to relax and take a relaxed approach to the days between Christmas and New Year. Leave the mountains of laundry behind, give yourself a break and enjoy the special atmosphere of this time. After all, the year ends without your washing machine - and a little rest is definitely good!
