GET LUCKY IN THE NEW YEAR!

There is a lot of superstitions and folklore about entering a new year. Perhaps we didn’t do enough of these at this time last year? Here’s some of my favorite things that are said to bring good luck in the new year:

Let it out! Opening all doors and windows just before midnight lets the old year escape.

Putting the right foot forward! A Polish tradition states that if you wake up early on New Year’s Day, you will wake up early for the rest of the year. And if you touch the floor with the right foot when getting up from bed, you could expect a lot of good luck for whole new year.

Dry your eyes! While bubbles are said to be good luck, maybe you don’t want that 4th glass of champagne that will turn you into a blubbering mess. Supposedly, crying on New Year’s Day could set you up for a year of sadness.

Make some noise!! Ever wonder why we use noise makers at midnight? It’s not just a way for kiddos to drive their parents crazy! Legend has it that people were to shout and bang pots to scare away any evil spirits.

Food that brings Good, and Bad, Luck:

Avoid chicken and lobster! Many cultures believe that eating lobsters before midnight is bad luck because they move backwards, therefore setting you up for a year of setbacks. Chicken scratch backwards, so a similar idea. Chicken is also said to represent your good luck flying away, so it should be avoided. The same thought applies to any birds, really.

In Spain, eating 12 grapes at midnight, one for every month, is said to bring good luck.

A common tradition in the South is eating black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year’s Day. It will supposedly bring good luck and prosperity. If you ever find yourself in the South for New Year’s Day, definitely try some Hoppin’ John with cornbread.

Some of the Germans in my family have said that eating pork and sauerkraut brings good luck in the New Year. It definitely brings gas, which is another good reason to air out the house!

Feature Photo by Julia Larson from Pexels