New Year's Day Traditions and Superstitions?

Answer 1

This article lists Food traditions and superstitions:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2542721/new_years_day_food_traditions_and_superstitions.html?cat=22

There are thousands of traditions and superstitions connected to New Years' Day and a goodly number of them are ethnically specific. Here are a few:

- In Scotland there was the tradition of the "first-footer". It is believed to be lucky for the first person to cross your threshold in the new year to be male, with dark hair, carrying bread, coal and money, he should step in on his right foot. It is said to be a sign your year will be happy prosperous and healthy. If however your first-footer is female, of ill health or look, blond or red-headed, or step in on the left foot or worse still trip on entry, it is interpreted as a coming year of misfortune.

- Some believe the manner in which you spend the day will reflect the manner you will spend the rest of the year. So it is important your cupboards are not empty of food and drink, your purse is not empty of coin and your hearth fire does not go out.

- Some cultures believe it is unfortunate to start the year in debt. So they see to it they have cleared all outstanding bills etc. before midnight.

- the Ringing in of the Year, (church bells ringing at midnight) is part of traditions that started century before in making loud noises to "scare away the demons".

- it is considered by some to be ill advised to speak ill of the ending year until it is complete.