There are many ways to welcome the new year, one of which is by enjoying meaningful activities with family and loved ones. In addition, New Year celebrations are often associated with various myths or superstitions. Many people believe that ignoring certain traditions may bring bad luck, while following them can attract good fortune in the year ahead.

Below are ten New Year myths commonly believed by people, as reported by Cosmopolitan.

1. Stepping forward with the right foot first
In many cultures, beginning the new year by stepping forward with the right foot is believed to symbolize a positive start.

2. Looking out the bedroom window
For single women hoping to find a partner, peeking out of the bedroom window upon waking on New Year’s Day is thought to be meaningful. Seeing a man pass by is believed to signal marriage before the year ends.

3. Jumping over seven ocean waves
In Brazil, wearing white clothes and jumping over seven waves after midnight is a common tradition. Each jump is accompanied by a wish. This ritual originates from the Afro-Brazilian Umbanda religion, where the Sea Goddess Iemanjá is believed to grant those wishes.

4. Smashing a pomegranate
In Greek tradition, the pomegranate represents abundance, fertility, luck, and prosperity. Throwing a pomegranate at the entrance of one’s home during the New Year is believed to bring good fortune.

5. Choosing the first guest carefully
In Scotland, the first person to enter a home on New Year’s Day—known as the First Footer—is considered very important. This person should bring positive energy to ensure good luck for the household.

6. Sprinkling sugar outside the house
In Puerto Rico, people sprinkle a small amount of sugar outside their homes, believing it will attract good luck and sweetness in life.

7. Burning a scarecrow
In Ecuador, burning scarecrows symbolizes eliminating negative energy left over from the previous year.

8. Avoiding tears on New Year’s Day
Crying on January 1 is believed to set the emotional tone for the next twelve months, so many people try to avoid it.

9. Waking up early on New Year’s Day
According to Polish tradition, waking up early on the first day of the year is believed to encourage good habits and bring fortune throughout the year.

10. Eating 12 grapes at midnight
In Spain, it is common to eat twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight. Each grape is believed to bring good luck for each month of the coming year.