Can I Wash My Clothes On Good Friday? Traditions And Superstitions

Today is Good Friday, an important part of Holy Week in the Christian calendar – as well as a bank holiday in the UK.

The day occurs after Maundy Thursday and serves as the anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which takes place just before the resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Like many traditional holidays, there are a number of superstitions attached to Good Friday. One of the most common? That you can’t wash your clothes on this day at all.

But is this true? And what other superstitions should you be aware of?

Here’s what you need to know.

Can I wash my clothes on Good Friday?

According to tradition, doing your laundry on Good Friday is considered to be unlucky.

In fact, the same Catholic superstition advises against doing any type of housework on this day, as it’ll bring bad luck.

The origins of this tradition are unclear – but, there’s no religious rule in place saying you can’t do your washing on this day if you want.

Other Good Friday traditions and superstitions

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are a few traditions connected to Good Friday.

One well known tradition is that Christians do not eat meat or dairy products on this day – usually opting for fish instead.

As Jesus Christ sacrificed himself – and his flesh – to pay for other people’s sins, for centuries Christians have avoided eating any warm-blooded animal products in remembrance, as a type of fast.

Hot cross buns, however, are on the menu. They are traditionally baked and eaten on Good Friday, and are considered to be very lucky.

As for superstitions, there are plenty of those, too.

It’s said that gardening and farming tasks should wait until after Friday, as ‘no iron shall enter the ground’.

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Children and adults alike should also avoid climbing trees on Good Friday, or doing any type of woodwork.

However, instead of gardening you could go to get a haircut, as superstition reckons it will prevent you from having any toothache or headaches for the year ahead.

And if you’re due to give birth on Good Friday, you’ll be pleased to know little ones born on this date are believed to have ‘healing’ abilities – especially if they are baptised by Easter Sunday.

And despite some superstitions to the contrary, you can in fact take a bath or shower on Good Friday.

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