Some traditions and superstitions about New Year’s

From black eyed peas to wearing new cloths on January 1st, there are all sorts of New Year’s traditions and superstitions too.
 
You are supposed to eat black eyed peas on new years to show humility and to guarantee the year ahead is prosperous.
   
In the south we sometime put ham hocks and cabbage with them.  It’s the so called poor man’s food.
   
Of course, a young single woman wants to open the door on January 1st to a handsome young man.  Even today, the tradition of “first footing” is for a man to enter the home first on January 1st.  It signifies virility and prosperity.
   
In some homes nothing goes out on New Year’s Day - not presents or even garbage.
   
Some open the door and let the old year escape at midnight without it leaving behind bad feelings.
   
And then there is the superstition that wearing new clothes on January 1st increases the likelihood that you will get new clothes during the year.
   
Avoid breaking anything on January 1st.
   
Avoid crying on January 1st.
   
Don’t do laundry on New Year’s Day.
   
However, babies born on the first of January will always have luck on their side.

By the way, kissing at midnight is supposed to ensure a warm close relationship with your significant other during the year.

If you don’t do it, it could be a cold 12 months ahead.