Facing a new year of life that is filled with unknowns can leave many souls feeling anxious. Some put their trust in God, but others resort to all kinds of superstitions in an effort to make sure their fate remains in their own hands.According to this article in Good Housekeeping, New Year’s superstitions abound in just about every corner of the globe. But one custom seems to be universal – making noise at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Believe it or not, bringing out the horns, party poppers and fireworks when the clock strikes twelve is a superstition that originated in a belief that making noise at this hour wards off evil spirits.
Doing away with the old and welcoming in the new on New Year’s Eve is another popular superstition that can be as common as leaving doors and windows open – regardless of the weather - to let out the old and bring in the new. But in some European cultures, they take this much further and throw whole pieces of furniture out the window at midnight, including couches and refrigerators.
Superstitions surrounding food are also very popular at this time of year. For example, some people from the southern U.S. believe that if your cupboards are fully stocked on New Year’s Eve your family will escape hardship in the coming year. They also believe eating collard greens and black-eyed peas on New Year’s day will insure prosperity in the coming year. In some Latin American countries, eating 12 grapes, one for each month of the year, on New Years Eve, is thought to bring good luck. The Japanese eat soba noodles on New Year’s Eve out of a belief that the meal will melt away the pain and difficulties of the previous year. Many cultures believe eating round foods on New Year’s Eve will bring abundance and prosperity, such as some traditions that call for eating 12 round fruits to symbolize the 12 months of the coming year. Many Greeks carry on the ancient tradition of hanging onions from their front doors on New Year’s to symbolize growth and rebirth. However, one food you should stay away from on New Year’s is lobster because this crustacean moves backward and could hinder your forward momentum.
In the Philippines, wearing anything with polka dots on New Year’s Eve is supposed to be good luck. They also believe people should surround themselves with round object such as coins and round fruit such as oranges, in order to attract wealth in the coming year.
In several countries around the world, it’s considered to be good luck and a sign of friendship to break dishes on New Year’s Eve. As the article states, “If you wake up on New Year's Day with a ton of broken dishware in front of your home, it's safe to say that you're well liked.”
Some believe you shouldn’t do laundry on New Year’s Eve because you might wash away the good luck clinging to your clothes, but others say it’s best to get rid of last year’s dirt by cleaning your house on New Year’s.
Some Ecuadorians believe burning photos of old memories before midnight on New Year’s Eve is a way to make way for new things to come.
Brazilians believe in a superstitious practice of wearing white, then walking into the ocean and jumping over seven waves at midnight on New Year’s.
Many people in various cultures believe stuffing a wallet full of cash on New Year’s Eve will bring financial stability for the next 12 months.
Last and not least, sharing a midnight kiss with your beloved at midnight is not just an affection. For some, this kiss is a way to prevent a year of loneliness.
Superstition abounds at this quintessential time of year, but only those who trust in God’s plan and know He will be walking through them through the good and bad times to come, will be able to welcome the New Year with the peace and joy our hearts desires.
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