I don’t know if it’s the same everywhere, but here in the southern U.S., there are so very many superstitions regarding the new year that it isn’t funny. Most them are fun and harmless though, so why not?
Get your life in order
So the first superstition is that the state of everything in your life on New Year’s Day will determine how it will be for the remainder of the year. So, if for example you have 3 weeks worth of laundry in your hamper, you’re not going to be keeping on top of it during the year. So, the days leading up to New Year’s are filled with cleaning, organizing and taking care of things. Here are some ideas:
- Clean your space.
This is one of my favorite things to do at the end of the year. Do your laundry, clean everything, organize everything, throw out anything that you don’t need or use. Go through your closets, go through your cupboards, go through that junk drawer. If you haven’t used it in forever (especially if it’s cheap to replace if you do end up needing it in the distant future), chuck it in the trash! You’re going to start this year with a clean, fresh space! It’ll feel wonderful when you’re done. And since you got rid of all that junk that you don’t need or use, it will be easier to keep that way throughout the year! - Cleanse your space.
Throw open the curtains and blinds, even the windows if you can. Get some light and fresh air into your space. Burn some incense or scented candles. Sweep the dirt and negative energy out with a broom (sweeping left to right, I was taught). Play some upbeat music. Put on a show or comedy routine that makes you laugh out loud. Fill your space with clean and happy energy! - Stock your pantry/fridge.
This is something that my family believed in big time. A full pantry and fridge on New Year’s Day assures that you will not go hungry in the coming year. Now, don’t waste money that you don’t have on doing this and if you’re going to stock up, make sure that most of it is shelf stable foods that you will eat. If nothing else, you’ll be stocking up for a time when you may not be able to buy too many groceries. My family also liked to bring canned and dry goods to family members that might not be doing so well, to try to help change their luck. - Bills, charge accounts and bank accounts.
This one is a little tricky. If you pay off everything you owe, you may not have much left in your bank account. So your new year will be debt free, but also you’ll be broke. I always try to find a healthy balance between making sure that my most important bills are paid and keeping as much money as possible in my account until after New Year’s Day. Honestly, I feel like my bank account is more important, as long as I’m not past due on anything. But I also don’t have hardly any debt, so make your own judgments… - Repair old relationships.
Make amends with people you’ve wronged. Apologize to anyone you’ve hurt (intentionally or unintentionally). Reach out to old friends or family that you’ve lost contact with. Call your parents. Call your grandparents. Visit them if you can. Make sure that all of your relationships are as much in good shape as you can – don’t let festering wounds, disagreements, or misunderstandings follow you into the new year.
Now, claim that new life!
On New Years Day, it’s time to start claiming all the things that you’ve begun manifestating over the last few days. Start the year off right and take your first steps in the right direction!
- Do something that makes you truly happy.
This can literally be anything you want. Like books? Spend an hour reading, maybe curled up under a blanket with a nice cup of tea. Like gaming? Set aside some time to play your favorite game. Nature lover? Take a hike, there’s probably not going to be a lot of people out today, it’s perfect! Simply put, take some time today to do whatever makes you smile and set the tone for the rest of your year! - Connect with your favorite people.
Lunch with your best friend? Cards with your mom? Watching football with Dad? Set up a time to meet with at least one of your favorite people today and hang out. Being with the people we love and care about is important, so be sure to make time in your day. You want to make sure these people are a big part of your life in the coming year. - Practice self care.
Light some candles. Take a bubble bath. Sip a nice glass of wine. Listen to some soothing music. Do all of that at once! Or meditate, do yoga or just be still and quiet. Anything that relaxes and refreshes you. Doing this today will ensure that you will find time to do it regularly in the future. - Eat the New Year’s Prosperity meal.
Oh, you didn’t really think that we were going to talk about Southern superstitions without mentioning food, did you? Well you’re wrong, because our superstition dictates exactly what you’ll be eating for dinner. Pork (any kind is okay, but most prefer chops or loin roast), greens (spinach, mustard or creasy are fine), blackeyed peas, potatoes (preferably fried) and cornbread. Also, make sure that your salt shaker is completely full before serving/eating the meal. And remember, the more you eat, the better! Especially for the pork, greens and blackeyed peas (which symbolize wealth and prosperity). - Get in bed at a decent hour.
Come on, are you really going to set yourself up to be tired for the next year? Do you really want to do that to yourself? No, I didn’t think so!
All right, you’ve got some direction, now get out there and start working on your manifestation! You are a smart, strong and wonderful person and I know that you can do this!
If anyone has any other New Year’s superstitions, please add them in the comments.
~Blessings y’all!
The Favored One 