Every year is the same for New Year’s— you eat and drink and wait for the clock to strike midnight. Maybe it’s time for a little shake-up. Try one of these cultural traditions made to bring lots of luck. Who knows? It might be just what you need for the best year ever.
China—The color red is a Chinese symbol of good luck and happiness. Hang a red banner on your front door to bring good energy your way.
England/Wales—For this one, you need a clock that tolls on the hour. When the clock starts to strike midnight, open the back door of your house and then close it. You will be releasing the old year, along with all of its misfortune. Then, on the 12th toll of the clock, open the front door, which welcomes in the New Year with all of its good luck.
France—Good health and good fortune will come to those who eat a stack of pancakes on New Year’s Day.
Italy—Good luck will come to those who eat lentils on New Year’s Day, which represent a bountiful new year.
Japan—You’ll need a string of tiny, white tree lights to symbolize stars. Use the type that has a plug on one end only, such as these. Bunch the string of lights loosely in a clear glass vase. Place the vase in the southwest part of your living room. Just before midnight on New Year’s Eve, plug in the lights. This will ensure that you invite lucky stars into your life and have a fresh start for the new year. Keep them on throughout New Year’s Day or as long as they brighten your decor. The Japanese also believe in letting out a big belly laugh at the stroke of midnight, setting the tone for a happy, healthful New Year!
Norway—Prepare rice pudding, and hide one whole almond in the bowl. Dish out the pudding to family and friends on New Year’s Day. The person who gets the almond is assured of major wealth.
Switzerland—On New Year’s Day, let a drop of cream land on the floor to make sure you have a rich New Year.
United States—Did you know that there’s a specific reason for the tradition of the midnight kiss? Some say that the practice goes all the way back to ancient Rome, when kissing at midnight was part of the giant party celebrating Saturnalia. The tradition was later adopted and adapted by Europeans, who held masked balls to celebrate New Year’s. The masks represented evil spirits, which were removed at midnight, and the kiss was an act of purification. Some believe a good kiss at midnight sets the tone of lucky-at-love for the rest of the year (see more at kisstixx.com).
In the southern US states, luck will come your way if on New Year’s Day, you eat a dish of black-eyed peas and greens, such as kale, collard greens, spinach or mustard greens. The beans represent coins and the leafy vegetables symbolize folded money. Who doesn’t want a little more green in the new year?
More help in the New Year…
