I was thinking about how to celebrate the new year, remembering my friend's tradition of eating black-eyed peas on January 1. A little research led me to this page of superstitions and traditions compiled by the folks at snopes.com and this post by local chef, restaurateur, and author of cookbooks, Sanaa Abourezk.
Who knew there were so many things to watch out for, so many things to do?! This led to my little rhyme below. Do you follow these traditions or ones not mentioned in these posts? However you celebrate, I hope your new year is a good one!
Ways to Welcome a New Year
On the stroke of midnight,
that gasp between
2012 and 2013,
throw open the doors and shout!
Let one year in and the other out.
When twelve o’clock strikes,
And a new year starts
Enflame the ardor of our hearts
With kisses for those most dear
To ensure a loving year.
Before the old year dashes,
On December thirty-first,
To prevent financial curse
We fill our pantries, pay our bills,
Carry lentils, mend our ills.
On the first day of the year,
For luck the whole year through,
Wear clothing that is new.
Eat certain foods. This is a key--
Fill your plate with black-eyed peas.
As we flip the calendar page
From one year to the next
We hope for good effects
By trying out some superstitions
And carefully keeping our traditions.
Happy New Year!
(c2012, Jane Heitman Healy, all rights reserved)
Enjoy this version of "Auld Lang Syne"
Jane,
ReplyDeleteGreat poem. I don't have any special New Year's traditions but try to remember each day is new and gives us a fresh start. So grateful for all the years we've known each other. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
Lynette
Beautiful thoughts, Lynette. I'm thankful for our friendship, too! Happy New Year to all of you!
DeleteHi Jane,
ReplyDeleteNo specific traditions here. The Christmas tree usually comes down as things are packed away for another year (maybe not this year). We like to watch the Huskers play in a bowl game(as they usually do on New Year's Day). Otherwise, we think about what we look forward to in the new year, pray about our concerns as many changes come about, and hope for the best! Thanks for sharing a great poem! You are so talented...
Mary
Oh, yes, let's not forget football on the first! Thanks for your kind words, and let's hope for a great year ahead!
Deleteawesome, loved reading this Jane!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, thanks for stopping by and for the kind words. Hope your new year is off to a great start!
ReplyDelete