According to some cultures and traditions, there are some very strange ways to guarantee a happy and successful New Year.

Try living by these 10 superstitions - all of which will, supposedly, help you to avoid bad luck.

1. No sweeping

We'll start with one that many will only be too happy to follow. The idea is not to sweep or dust on New Year’s Day, because you could 'sweep your good luck away' - so let the dust accumulate, along with your luck.

2. No laundry

That’s right, let that laundry basket fill up for a bit longer. The universal rule seems to be that laundry shouldn’t be done on January 1, but some traditions go further and say that it shouldn’t be done during the entire period between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Myth has it that washing your clothing on these days can actually lead to ‘washing a loved one away'.

3. Wear new clothing on New Year’s Eve

Not only because you want to look your best on this special evening, but apparently also to ensure that the next year will bring no shortage of garments, and you’ll continue to look and feel your best.

4. Say no to chicken

It seems chicken should be left off the menu on New Year’s Day because if it is eaten then, like the birds in question, diners are fated to scratch in the dirt all year for their dinner – in other words, they'll be bringing poverty upon themselves.

5. Don’t cry

Besides it being a shame at a time of celebration, it’s just not a good idea to start your new year crying or feeling sad - it’s said that this sets the tone for the rest of the year.

6. Eat healthy, eat hearty

To promote physical wellbeing in 2021, make sure you start the year off properly with a healthy and plentiful meal.

7. A lemon and some noise

It’s a noisy night for good reason: fireworks, bells, whistles and unabashedly loud clamour are said to ward off evil spirits and thoughts. And hanging lemons in doorways is another old-fashioned tradition designed to keep that good energy flowing.

8. Be debt-free

One superstition has it that you should pay off any outstanding debts before January 1 rolls around, to bring better financial luck. Conversely, don’t pay back loans or lend money on New Year's Day. To do so guarantees you'll be paying out all year.

9. Avoid crying cats

If you hear cats mewing, run in the opposite direction to avoid that bad omen. And even if you’re not superstitious, running away is probably a natural response to that awful sound….

10. Open the doors

Open your doors and windows to let the new year come in and send the old one out! New Year’s Day is about fresh beginnings, so let that fresh air and energy breeze in.