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New Year's Traditions and Superstitions

New Year's Traditions and superstitions. Many of the these associated with the event bear the common theme that activities engaged in on that day set the pattern for the year to come. Others have to do with warding off evil spirits or attracting luck. Because January 1 is the first day of the New Year, we have drawn a connection between what we do on that day and our fate throughout the rest of the year.

Here are some of the ways we attempt to guarantee a good outcome through our acts on that portentous first day:

New Years Day Food Traditions

• Eating noodles at midnight is customary at Buddhist temples in Japan.
• A German/Pennsylvania Dutch tradition is to eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year's day for good luck.
• It is the tradition of Bosnia & Croatia (both of former Yugoslavia) to eat what is called "Sarma" or beef wrapped tightly in cabbage to bring good luck in health and wealth for the upcoming year.
• It is a Cuban tradition to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. The 12 grapes signify the last twelve months of the year.
• German folklore says that eating herring at the stroke of midnight will bring luck for the next year. Herring Salad recipe.
• Eating pickled herring as the first bite of the New Year brings good luck to those of Polish descent.
• In the southern United States, it is believed eating black eyed peas on New Year's eve will bring luck for the coming year.
• Also from the south comes the custom of eating greens such as cabbage, collard greens, mustard greens, kale or spinach to bring money.
• One more from the Southerners: eating cornbread will bring wealth.
• The Southern custom of eating greens can be found in other cultures as well, although the cabbage can take many forms, such as sauerkraut or even Kimchi.
• In the Philippines, it is important to have food on the table at midnight in order to insure an abundance of food in the upcoming year.
• Boiled Cod is a New Year's Eve must in Denmark.
• OlieBollen a donut-like fritter is popular in Holland for New Year.
• Black-eyed peas, fish, apples, and beets are eaten for luck at the Jewish New Year's celebration (not celebrated on Jan 1).
• Another tradition from the Philippines is to collect 7 different types of round fruits. The round shape of the fruits signify money and seven is believed to be a lucky number. Set on the dinner table on New Year's eve, the fruits are believed to bring prosperity and sound financial status for the coming year.

Other New Year's Traditions and Superstitions

New Years Eve Party Ideas, Recipes, Drinks & Decorations

Yes, it's "amateur night" out there.
So if you're looking to spend it safely at home - with your own New Year's Eve party for friends and loved ones - check out the following resources for throwing a New Year's Eve bash to remember : with ideas for recipes, themes, decorations, party games, favors and more to last you right up until the final countdown ....

Holiday Recipes : New Years - Featuring great ideas for easy buffet parties, plus lots of recipes for appetizers, make ahead dishes and more ideas for a New Year's Day brunch.

New Years Day Food Traditions

Webtender - Your own personal online bartender who can show you exactly how to mix, stir and frappe any New Year's Eve concoction requested. Browseable by keyword or recipe, or choose a drink right out of the hat with their random drink generator.

New Year's Eve Party Ideas - eHow.com - New Year's party central, including hints for holiday get-togethers with family, plus kid friendly party ideas, decorating themes, tips for stocking the bar, hangover cures, and ways to say "cheers" in 10 different languages...

New Years Eve Party - If you're keeping the kids up, keep them amused with these fun ideas for welcoming in the New Year, including links to New Year crafts and coloring pages.

New Year's Eve Party Guide - From confetti.co.uk, the Brit party site featuring ice breakers and games, recipes and party planning ideas.

New Year's Party Games - More ideas for keeping the party going, including New Year's Charades, Funny Face, Guess My Resolution, New Year's Eve Win, Lose or Draw, and more.

For more great ideas and recipes, see Preparing for New Years Eve