Ring in the New Year: Cultures That See New Year's Eve as a Time to Clean House

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, reflection, and new beginnings across the globe. But for many cultures, it’s also an opportunity to engage in a symbolic ritual of cleaning house—both literally and figuratively. The act of tidying up, sweeping, or decluttering is steeped in tradition, as it’s believed to clear away the negativity of the past year and make space for good fortune in the year to come.

Let’s take a look at some fascinating cultural practices that showcase the importance of starting the new year with a clean slate.

Japan: Ōsōji (Big Cleaning)

In Japan, the end of December is marked by Ōsōji, which translates to "big cleaning." Families and businesses engage in a thorough cleaning of their homes and workplaces, scrubbing every corner to remove dust and dirt. This tradition goes beyond hygiene—it symbolizes a fresh start by purging old, stagnant energy and welcoming good fortune.

Ōsōji often involves cleaning shrines and preparing traditional decorations, such as kadomatsu (pine and bamboo arrangements) and shimenawa (sacred ropes), to invite the gods of the new year. For the Japanese, a spotless environment is an essential part of entering the new year with clarity and purpose.

China: Sweeping Away the Bad Luck

In Chinese culture, cleaning before the Lunar New Year is a centuries-old tradition. Families deep-clean their homes in the days leading up to the holiday to "sweep away" bad luck and misfortune. Brooms, however, are put away on New Year's Day itself—using them could accidentally sweep away the incoming good luck!

Red paper decorations and festive symbols are often hung after cleaning to attract happiness, prosperity, and protection in the new year. This practice emphasizes balance: removing the old to make space for the new.

Scotland: Hogmanay and "Redding the House"

In Scotland, New Year’s Eve is celebrated as Hogmanay, a festival rooted in ancient customs. One of its key traditions is "redding the house," which involves cleaning and preparing the home for the coming year. Scots believe that cleanliness represents order and readiness for new opportunities.

Another unique tradition tied to Hogmanay is "first-footing," where the first visitor of the new year brings symbolic gifts like coal, shortbread, or whisky to bring good luck. The combination of cleaning and visiting underscores the value of community and fresh beginnings.

The Philippines: Out with the Old, In with the New

In the Philippines, the New Year is an important time to declutter and let go of items that are no longer needed. Families clean their homes and discard broken or unused belongings to free up space for blessings and abundance.

This practice often coincides with other superstitions, such as filling the home with round objects (representing coins) to attract wealth. The act of cleaning is deeply symbolic, ensuring that the household is ready to embrace new opportunities.

Mexico: Sweeping Out the Old

In Mexico, New Year’s Eve cleaning often involves sweeping the home from the inside out to expel negative energy. Some even sweep the dust right out the front door as a way to physically and metaphorically push out bad vibes.

After the cleaning is complete, families may perform rituals like burning incense or lighting candles to bless the space and invite positivity for the year ahead.

Why Cleaning for the New Year Matters

Across these cultures and more, the act of cleaning is more than just a chore—it’s a way to set intentions for the future. Whether it’s about removing bad luck, embracing prosperity, or simply starting fresh, cleaning symbolizes hope, renewal, and the power to create a better year ahead.

As we approach the new year, why not borrow a page from these traditions? Whether you sweep the floors, declutter a closet, or just tidy up your desk, you might find that cleaning isn’t just about the space—it’s about clearing your mind and preparing for success.

Here’s to a clean start and a bright new year! What are you doing this New Years Eve? Cleaning? Let us help. Schedule a Virtual Site Assessment with us today and let us bring in a bright new years with you. HAPPY NEW YEARS!