Danie Ford

Family, Traditions and Superstitions

29 Dec 2009 Leave a Comment

by danieford in Family & Friends, Menus, New Years, traditions Tags: Family, menu, new years eve, superstitions, traditions

The new year is fast approaching. And I’ve been planning the menu for new years.

There are a couple of things that are musts -

• green vegetable
• black eyed peas
• no chicken

So I’m making hoppin john, catfish, crab cakes, white rice, cornbread, greens, Italian pasta and bean soup, spinach salad and probably a chocolate cake or brownies or 7-up cake. So basically it’s a smorgasbord/buffet of different dishes. And I may whip up some bellini’s or other cocktails.

Other traditions & superstitions -

• house cleaned, uncluttered, laundry washed and dishes done (by New Year’s Eve)
• Eat 12 grapes, wear red, windows and door open, well stocked pantry, money in pocket
• ring a bell, blow a whistle, make noise
• No negativity and no crying

So why do we do it every year? Besides tradition and superstition?

1. The grapes are supposed to be one grape for each month of the year. And is supposed to represent prosperity.
2. Pork instead of chicken because pigs eat moving forward. So those who eat pork will move forward in the coming year. Poultry scratch for their food and those who eat chicken will be scratching/scrounging/scraping for food all year.
3. Black-eyed peas and lentils eaten on New Year’s Day are said to bring wealth (riches) and safety to the coming year.
4. The color red is supposed to bring luck
5. Leave every door and window open at midnight to let the old year out.
6. Make noise to chase away the evil spirits.
7. There should be money in your pocket at midnight. So you’ll have money in the new year.
8. The first words you hear in the minutes of the New Year will set the precedence for the entire year. And no crying or you’ll be crying all year.
9. House cleaned by New Year’s Eve because nothing should go out (or until something new comes in). No shopping or spending money, no sweeping or dusting (good luck could be swept out).

And we always go to church for Watch Night Service. Do you or your family have any holiday traditions you observe for New Year’s?

Related – 15 Strange New Year Superstions & Top Ten New Year’s Day Superstions & Snopes.com: New Year’s Superstitions