Ok, here we go. On this day in 1904 the first New Year's Eve celebration was held in Times Square (then known as Longacre Square) in New York, New York. And then on this day in 1909 the Manhattan Bridge opened. A few years later, in 1923 the chimes of Big Ben were broadcast on radio for the first time by the BBC.
There are many myths and practices that parallel New Years Eve. For instance, Blackeyed Peas, Rice and cornbread are a few foods that remain tradition for many.
A New Year's Day meal is considered to bring good luck.
Dried Blackeyed peas in your wallet or purse promises to bring extra money for the new year. Collards, Mustards or Turnips Greens eaten at this time are believed to do the same.
Kissing at midnight is apparently a good omen, because 'lore tells us that you will be kissing that same person for a long, long time. Choose carefully.
On New Year's day, and let's add some sexism to this just for fun?... do not allow a woman to be the first person to enter your house, as it is bad luck. It is believed, the first person to set-foot in your house should be a good man carrying a sprig of evergreen. Try not to choose one who has obviously been rolling around in the woods before he visits you.
General Hygiene. Do not wash on New Years Day! It is bad luck and believed to wash-out a family member. You can add sweeping to that. I guess that could work in your favor for a family member you do not like.
Loud noises, Bell Ringing, Fireworks and Shooting.
At 12 midnight, on New Year's eve, "Shooting in the air" and making loud noises at the stroke of midnight is believed to have scared demonic forces away. Safety first, what goes up, must come down.
Cleaning house and outstanding debts:
It's not good to carry them over into the new year, if that is possible. Start out on a clean slate. I suggest you make a large pitcher of Martinis, get a nice buzz on and push the vaccuum until the ball drops...or you do.
Aside form all of the above, take a moment to be thankful for what you have, ask the Universe for what you want and try to be satisfied in knowing that you have what you need.
Peace, abundance, health and happiness in 2011.
Jim
There are many myths and practices that parallel New Years Eve. For instance, Blackeyed Peas, Rice and cornbread are a few foods that remain tradition for many.
A New Year's Day meal is considered to bring good luck.
Dried Blackeyed peas in your wallet or purse promises to bring extra money for the new year. Collards, Mustards or Turnips Greens eaten at this time are believed to do the same.
Kissing at midnight is apparently a good omen, because 'lore tells us that you will be kissing that same person for a long, long time. Choose carefully.
On New Year's day, and let's add some sexism to this just for fun?... do not allow a woman to be the first person to enter your house, as it is bad luck. It is believed, the first person to set-foot in your house should be a good man carrying a sprig of evergreen. Try not to choose one who has obviously been rolling around in the woods before he visits you.
General Hygiene. Do not wash on New Years Day! It is bad luck and believed to wash-out a family member. You can add sweeping to that. I guess that could work in your favor for a family member you do not like.
Loud noises, Bell Ringing, Fireworks and Shooting.
At 12 midnight, on New Year's eve, "Shooting in the air" and making loud noises at the stroke of midnight is believed to have scared demonic forces away. Safety first, what goes up, must come down.
Cleaning house and outstanding debts:
It's not good to carry them over into the new year, if that is possible. Start out on a clean slate. I suggest you make a large pitcher of Martinis, get a nice buzz on and push the vaccuum until the ball drops...or you do.
Aside form all of the above, take a moment to be thankful for what you have, ask the Universe for what you want and try to be satisfied in knowing that you have what you need.
Peace, abundance, health and happiness in 2011.
Jim
"New Year's Day is every man's birthday." Charles Lamb
