New Year's Superstitions, Traditions

New Year's Day is filled with superstitions and traditions. Many can be traced back to pagan times when winter was cold and dark and spirits were thought to roam the Earth. Some traditions are regional; eating ham hocks and black eyed peas in the south. Others are ethnicm including the custom of "First Footing," practiced in England and Scotland. It is always fun and interesting to look at traditions and superstitions and to see far we have come.

First footing is the custom practiced in England where friends call upon each other bringing gifts of food, usually bread, cake or cheese. In many countries it was believed the first person to step foot inside the house would dictate the welfare of the family for the following year. Bad luck would fall upon the household if a woman was the first to step foot inside the house.

A man, preferably a tall, dark man would ensure good luck and prosperity through the New Year. The man would carry a piece of coal in his pocket to ensure warmth; a piece of bread for food, money for wealth and a sprig of evergreen for a long life. It was not unheard of in early England, to pay a tall, dark man to wait outside the house, until the stroke of midnight, then for him to cross the threshold, guaranteeing good luck and prosperity.

The custom of banging pots and pans together or shooting guns in the air at midnight comes from the Pagan belief that loud noises would keep evil spirits away.

Many people believe that whatever one does on this day will dictate the activity for the following year. Because of this belief there is to be no crying or work on New Year's Day. Washing clothes is especially forbidden, as it was once believed a death in the family would occur. Sewing was also taboo, for if one used a needle and thread it was believed they would sew a shroud before the year was over.

Weather was important on this day for predicting the future. If the wind was blowing from the south it was a good sign, but if the wind was blowing from the north it was going to be a hard year. Wind coming from the east meant famine, but coming from the west was a sign of plentiful harvest. A windless day means a dry summer; a decent breeze brings summer rain, while violent winds herald upcoming floods.

For a prosperous New Year always keep the salt shaker filled. Never hang a new calendar
before sunrise on New Year's Day and kiss the one you love at the stroke of midnight.

Sources: Tuleja,Tad , Curious Customs, 1987 Harmony Books Jackie Voshell, Herbs, Holidays and Traditions,
1982, Imprint Books