How to be lucky in the New Year

New Year's Day was first celebrated by the Babylonians over 4000 years ago. With such an ancient tradition comes ancient (and modern rituals). Within many cultures, it's thought that what you do or eat on New Year's Day determines your luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. A kiss at midnight is not only affectionate, it's said to ward off coldness in the year ahead. By kissing those we cherish at midnight we can ensure good relations with them for the next 12 months.
2. Start your year as you mean to go on! At the stroke of midnight, ensure your cupboards and larder are well-stocked so your family will not go hungry throughout the new year. Some cultures suggest filling every wallet in your home just before midnight to give you prosperity over the next 12 months.
3. Keep your eyes peeled for a dark haired man bearing gifts Keep your eyes peeled for a dark haired man. In Britain, it's said that the first person, the 'first footer', who knocks on your door and enters your home in the New Year will determine your luck for the year ahead. The visitor with the most luck was said to be a dark-haired man bearing coal (for warmth), bread (for nourishment), money (for prosperity) and greenery (for life). He must not be cross-eyed or flat-footed If you should find yourself fortunate enough to meet this chap, have him take a pan of dust or ashes out of the house for extra good luck. This will signify the departure of the old year.
4. Laugh and be merry! At the stroke of midnight in Japan, bells chime 108 times to chase away 108 troubles. The Japanese laugh afte the gongs as it's said to drive away bad spirits. With the air clear of troubles, they are able to enjoy a day of celebration and a year of good luck.
5. Broken plates signify your friendships and those who hold you dear to them They don't just break plates in Greece. In Denmark, it's good luck to find broken dishes on your doorstep on New Year's Day. Old crockery is saved through the year to throw on the doorsteps of loved ones. Many broken dishes symbolises how many people hold you dear to them, so the more the merrier.
6. In many cultures, making noise at midnight will drive away bad luck for the year ahead. For the Irish, banging on the doors and walls with Christmas bread will chase bad luck away and invite good spirits into the home with the promise of bread.
7. Eat lucky! In the southern US states, eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day will attract health and money. For the Germans and Pennsylvania Dutch, eating pork and saurkraut will bring good fortune. In Cuba, the new year is welcomed by eating 12 grapes, signifying the months of the past year, for good luck. Among the Polish and Germans, eating herring at the stroke of midnight ensures a great year ahead. In Holland, doughnuts are traditional fare on New Year's Day for lucky dining.