Happy New Year - Ringing in 2012 around the World!
I am sitting in my living room, looking to the west, and thinking of the great possibilities for 2012. Reflecting back, and looking forward are universal practices at year’s end. No matter what we look like, no matter which language we speak, good fortune and prosperity are wished at the stroke of midnight. Call it the “rhythmic reboot” of the human species! So, what are your good luck traditions? We know how we Americans do it - parties, football, Times Square, Vegas, baby!
I thought it might be fun to do a little globe-trotting in search of good luck traditions. Here goes!
In Bengal, they celebrate the New Year on the 13th or 14th of April. That’s the first day of the month they call “Baisakh.” They clean and decorate their houses in preparation for the new year. Among their traditions, is to place a mango tree branch, which must consist of five twigs and a number of leaves in an earthenware pot. The pot symbolizes good fortune for the family.
In Brazil, the lentil is believed to signify wealth. So, on the first day of the year, they serve lentil soup and rice. On New Year’s Eve, a ceremony is held dedicated to the goddess of water, Yemanja.
The Danish people think it’s a good sign to find your door heaped with a pile of broken dishes at New Years! Old dishes are saved year round to throw them at the homes where their friends live. (Hey, would love to try that one)! So, the greater amount of broken dishes, the greater number of friends!
In Korea, on New Year’s Eve, people place straw scoopers, rakes or sieves on their doors and walls to protect their families from evil spirits in the new year. Everyone dresses in new clothes in the morning, to signify a new beginning.
The Portuguese pick and eat 12 grapes from a bunch as the clock strikes twelve on New Year’s Eve. This is supposed to ensure twelve happy months in the coming year. Spain celebrates in a similar manner, one grape, with each tolling of the clock….sometimes washed down with wine! In Peru, the custom has a slightly different take, they believe a 13th grape should be eaten to assure good luck.
In Norway, they make rice pudding at New Years and hide one whole almond within. Guaranteed wealth goes to the person whose serving possesses the lucky almond.
In Wales, a little cardio is involved. The back door is open, with the first toll of the bell. And then shut to release the bad omens from the last year. With the 12th stroke of the bell, the front door is opened to welcome the new year!
In the UK, the welcoming of the new year is supposed to be noisy and full of loud cheers. There is kissing and drinking! One of the most popular of traditions is called “First Footing” . According to custom, a family is blessed with good luck and fortune, if a tall, good looking man is the first to walk through the front door after the new year arrives. He brings coal, bread and a bottle of Whiskey. He doesn’t speak to anyone until he places the coal on the fire, puts the loaf on the table, serves Whiskey to the family head and wishes everyone a Happy New Year! Then he exits the back door in dramatic flair! (I’m thinking Jon Hamm here, due at my house this year - love the strong, silent type)!
But if all else fails, share some good cheer with friends and family at the stroke of midnight…a kiss for good luck. And bring in the wonder of the New Year!
I wish you a blessed year, brimming with opportunity, good health and the love of your family and friends. Happy 2012!!! Hope you enjoyed the world tour without the jet lag!
Happy New Year!
Laura Diaz
