New Year’s Traditions And Superstitions

Most people bring in the New Year by watching the New Year’s countdown in Times Square, going to church or attending a party. Kissing someone hot and sexy, whether he is a current flame or a potential new one, is a high priority at the stroke of midnight. But there are other, lesser known traditions. If 2008 wasn’t that great for you, maybe you should ring in 2009 with the following traditions and superstitions.

• You should stock up on food and money. Cupboards and refrigerators should be full of food, so you won’t go hungry in the new year. Also, (and this is a biggie in my family) every person should have money on their person, whether in a wallet or pocket. This is obviously to ensure you have some paper for the rest of the year.
• Similarly, all household debt and personal debts should be payed off before Jan. 1. If not, you’ll be paying back debts all year long.
• We all have bills to pay, but don’t pay back loans or bills on New Year’s Day. And don’t lend money or other precious items either because, if you do, you’ll be paying out all year long.
• The first person to enter your home after the stroke of midnight will determine what kind of year you have, so HE should be tall, dark-haired and attractive. He shouldn’t have flat feet, cross-eyes or a uni-brow. Do not, I repeat, do not let a blond, redhead or woman walk across your threshold first because they will bring disaster down on your household. (My mom has actually denied me entry to our home until a man crossed our doorstep.) The first footer or Lucky Bird shouldn’t use a key to gain entry even if he is a member of the household. He should ceremoniously knock and be let in.
• Nothing, even garbage, should leave the house on Jan. 1. But for some people it’s all right if something leaves the home, as long as something else has been brought in first.
• Although my family isn’t Southern, we always have black-eyed peas, pork and collard greens for luck. We don’t eat pork, but my mom and I think the household will still be lucky if our cats eat it.
• Wear something new on New Year’s Day to increase the likelihood of receiving more garments in 2009.
• All the energy from the old year has to be let go. So at the stroke of midnight, all the household doors should be opened.
• You have to make as much noise as possible at midnight because you’re not only celebrating, but you are also scaring evil spirits away.