Spirit of Bonhomie - Day Thirty One
Should auld aquaintance be forgot...
New Year’s Eve is a time of celebration and reflection across the globe. Here are some fascinating traditions from different countries:
Spain: In Spain, locals eat exactly 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. This tradition began in the late 19th century when vine growers in the Alicante area aimed to sell more grapes. Each grape represents a bell strike, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the coming year
Scotland: The day before January 1, known as Hogmanay, holds significance. A popular Scottish tradition is “first footing”—the first person to cross your threshold after midnight should be a dark-haired male. Traditionally, they bring gifts of coal, salt, shortbread, and whiskey, signifying good luck and fortune. This tradition dates back to Viking invasions when light-haired visitors were unwelcome.
The Netherlands: Dutch New Year’s Eve involves “oliebollen”, deep-fried dough balls. The origin is peculiar: Ancient Germanic tribes ate these during Yule. Legend has it that when the Germanic goddess Perchta (also known as Perchta the Belly Slitter) tried to cut their stomachs open and fill them with trash (as punishment for insufficient yuletide cheer), the fat from the dough made her sword slide right off. So, eating oliebollen became a protective tradition
Brazil: Brazilians celebrate by lighting candles and throwing white flowers into the water as an offering to Yemoja, the Queen of the Ocean. This tradition honors the sea and its significance in their lives.
Ecuador: Citizens parade around the city with scarecrows resembling popular politicians and cultural icons. At midnight, these scarecrows are burnt to cleanse the new year of evil.
Global Superstitions: Across cultures, people follow various superstitions:
Eating black-eyed peas and collard greens for luck.
Breaking glass to ward off evil spirits.
Drinking champagne to celebrate.
Kissing at midnight for love and connection.
So, whether you’re munching grapes in Spain, dancing in Scotland, or lighting candles in Brazil, these diverse traditions unite us in celebrating fresh beginnings.
I want you to choose one of the traditions or come up with your own to celebrate today.
2023 has been quite the year. A lot has come to light, the grounds are shifting beneath our feet and much that we thought permanent we now know as being as temporary and transient as time itself.
I intend you have enjoyed the spirit of bonhomie and that it has been an alternative to enjoy.
From the bottom of my heart I wish you the very best for 2024 and I appreciate you having me as part of your journey 🎉🌍
The older I get, the more I realise the importance of connectivity, not taking people for granted. Don't be so busy "doing you" that you lose sight of those who love and support you. They will be the ones you seek, the ones you need when those you "thought" had your back turn their's away. If you only reach out when you need something, one day you'll discover that lifeline was cut and is now unavailable. Appreciate the good people in your life when it counts, not when it's convenient.
