Most Bay Staters have a good head on their shoulders, but that doesn’t stop us from indulging in the odd Massachusetts superstition or two every now and then. From the Curse of the Bambino to our dogged devotion to the Greasy Pole of Gloucester, we definitely like to celebrate the mysterious side of life now and then. Hey, it keeps life interesting! However, did you know there’s an old New Year’s superstition in Massachusetts that promises to bring you health, wealth and happiness in the new year? You don’t even have to break out the magic cauldron or invest in tarot cards. All this tradition requires is a simple bucket of paint and a little free time. If you’re interested in ringing in the New Year with a little luck on your side, then keep reading.

According to an old Massachusetts tradition, there’s something very special about a brightly painted, red front door.
Flickr/moarplease
You see plenty of these on Martha’s Vineyard and in coastal areas.
Flickr/Chris Warren
Other than adding a pop of color to otherwise drab, grey-shingled homes, red doors have a special significance in Massachusetts and New England.
Flickr/Marco Zanferrari
More than just eye candy, the practice of painting your door red is actually rooted in old colonial beliefs about witchcraft!
Flickr/Greg Clarke
The bright red door was originally meant to ward against the Evil Eye, and stop the influence of the Devil from entering the home.
Flickr/gluecksaktivist

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Gradually, the practice came to encompass protection from all evil forces, including witches, disease and financial trouble.
Flickr/Cam Miller
We can’t speak to the truth of anti-hexing properties and holy protection, but at least one element of this old superstition is rooted in fact:
Flickr/Trenton Kelly
Nowadays, a brightly painted red door can signify that the owner of the home has paid off the mortgage, which is definitely a sign that financial trouble has been successfully kept at bay. Plus, it looks pretty snappy.
Flickr/Ran Allen
So if you’re looking to spruce up your abode for the new year, why not go old-school and splash a bit of red paint on your front door?
Flickr/Terry Brock
At the very least, your neighbors will think you’ve come out of 2019 with a bit of pep in your step. And who knows…maybe a bit of luck will stop by as well.
Flickr/Lauren
It couldn't hurt!

Would you ever paint your front door red to invite some happiness into your life? Do you think superstitions like this are funny, helpful or just plain silly and do you believe in this New Year’s superstition in Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments below! And if you have a superstition of your own, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

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new year's superstition in Massachusetts

Jackie Ann | November 08, 2019

Are there any other superstitions in Massachusetts?

New England Puritans were a superstitious bunch, and several of their Massachusetts superstitions have made their way into modern times. You may have heard about hanging a horseshoe above the entrance to a door to ward off witches and bring good luck, but there are a few lesser-known Massachusetts superstitions including carrying a bone with you at all times so that nothing will harm you, and that tripping on something is a sign of bad luck and you must go back and touch it to erase the bad luck.

What are the most popular traditions in Massachusetts?

One of the most popular Massachusetts traditions is the Greasy Pole Contest, which has been a Gloucester tradition since 1927. Held during St. Peter’s Fiesta in the summer, contestants attempt to shimmy up a wooden pole to retrieve a flag that’s been greased to the max with bacon fat, Crisco, fish guts, and even lard from local restaurants.

What is the most bizarre superstition in Massachusetts?

Perhaps one of the most bizarre and most popular superstitions in Massachusetts revolves around the Curse of the Bambino. Many Bostonians believed that the Red Sox were cursed and doomed to never win a World Series ever since the trading of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in the off-season of 1919-1920. Fortunately, the curse was lifted in 2004 when the Red Sox won the World Series after an 86-year streak of never winning the title.

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