I am starting to realize I may need to find a few New Years traditions. A way to welcome the new year that may bring good fortune in the year to come. I mean, it can’t hurt.
Singing Auld Lang Syne in a crowd of people isn’t going to happen, so that’s off the list. Can’t sit around and watch a game from the World Junior Hockey this year. But there must be something.
In Spain you are supposed to eat twelve grapes and drink wine. Seems a bit redundant, but I can do that.
In Denmark you are supposed to throw old plates and glasses against the doors of family members to banish bad spirits. But then someone is going to have to clean that up, so it doesn’t sound like a great idea. And jumping off a chair to leap into the new year sounds like you could hurt yourself, so I think I’ll pass on that.
There is a Finish tradition of pouring molten tin into water and trying to interpret the shape that is made. But hot metal would also have its hazards. Burning down the house does not sound like a great way to start the year.
In parts of South and Central America, you are supposed to wear special underwear to welcome the New Year. Red, for love, if you got ’em. Yellow for money in the new year. Since Santa was kind enough to deliver me some new drawers, I could probably pull that one off. Maybe I can find a red and yellow pair. I’d love to get some money.
Apparently in Greece, you are supposed to hang an onion on the front door, then wake up your children on New Years Day by tapping them on the forehead with the onion. That could be fun.
There are also things like eating Hoppin’ John on New Years Day (black eyed peas, pork and rice). It’s actually quite tasty, so another possibility. Or a fish dish is supposed to bring good luck. Or banging on the walls of your house with Christmas bread.
When you look into it, there are a lot of different ways to welcome the New Year. Big parties and the World Juniors might be out, but there’s still food and special underwear. I think we can find a way to celebrate.
