The Diary Of Onebrokelady Aged 60 And A Half

Cherryfudge

So what we really need is a group of people who do wash on NYD and a group who don't, and follow them through the year, first having quantified what we think counts as bad luck, or even, what counts as washing...   

I wonder whether this originates in thoughts that a good housewife will be up to date with the washing, and if she isn't, other things may go downhill as well? Just a guess.

I wash on NYD, if there's washing to be done and the weather's okay for drying, which doesn't look like happening this year, so we may never have proof either way. 

Sun_Addict

I would’ve washed on NYD without a doubt before that happened as I had two young children. Now it’s not worth the risk even though deep down I know it’s nonsense. I don’t have that many people left in my family 😬

Sun_Addict

Quote from Google: According to folklore, if you wash clothes on New Year's Day, you'll be “washing for the dead” or washing a loved one away -- meaning someone in your household will die in the coming year. Get your laundry washed, dried, folded and put away by New Year's Eve. 

Remember I’m the one who was hit by a car on Friday 13th. Not worth the risk 😆

Seasidegal58

Sorry to hear about your DD's mug OBL. ☹️
I've never heard about not doing the laundry on New Year's Day!  I suppose I must have over the years but I think I might give it a miss this year......🫣

Cherryfudge

I do get people being cautious - but if you turn it round - how many Friday 13ths have you lived through, and on how many have you been injured? Statistically, it's more likely to be 'lucky' than otherwise. My broken arm accident was on a Monday. However, you undoubtedly got hurt on a Friday 13th, and it wasn't anything trivial, so you're going to remember it.

That said, I'm getting my washing done today as the weather forecast isn't good and I want to wear my new socks again soon. 

DawnW

I have never heard of the not washing on NYD - I am surprised because my Mum knew loads of these things and lived her life by them lol. I did the washing today, so won't have a load by then, so won't be able to check it out. I am sure I must have in the past though, especially when the kids were small!

daisy_1571

I've always tried to get 'straight ' on nye.  Working full time and only having a small flat meant I usually had the clothes horse up with drying washing on it but dirty washing was empty, place was tidy, stairwell washed out etc.  Superstition (as far as I knew it) was that you wanted to be in the best circumstances going into new year as that would be how your year would go.  On the face of it that makes sense.  I think it would never have occurred to my family to do a washing on ny day as generally (in Scotland as far as I know, maybe just more local to my area) that was a day to see family for a steak pie sit down meal, so not a general housework kind of day.  I only heard of this superstition in the last few years of being on here.

I agree that its good to abide by any particular superstition when it comforts and helps you. If it upsets, then ignore it.  

Daisy xxx 

Onebrokelady

Cherryfudge said:

That's a shame about the mug but you have your memories and no one can take those.

I hope your daughter gets a break from these colds and you have enough energy to walk to town tomorrow.

I told DD2 to buy some vitamins today. It’s strange that she’s so susceptible because she is quite healthy really but she does have a weakness for catching viruses leading up to Christmas. Mind you the ward she is based on is full of patients with flu and covid so it’s not surprising I suppose 

Onebrokelady

Sun_Addict said:

It would’ve been lovely if you could’ve kept your dad’s mug but as Cherry says no one can take away your memories. 

I won’t do washing on NY Day. The last time I did a work colleague said it was bad luck to do the washing and I’d wash someone out of the family. Later that year I lost my mum. Although I don’t consider myself to be superstitious I won’t risk it again. DD still reminds me every year. 

Yep my memories are safe 😀and I spent more time with him so have more 😀
My mum always reminds me not to do any washing on NYD just in case I forget after all these years 

Onebrokelady

jwil said:

I don't do the washing on NYD either.  It's nonsense really but still...

I’m wondering if it was started by a disgruntled housewife who just fancied a day off from the washing 😀