Happy New Year from all of us at Irish Made Gifts!!
One of the most interesting and intriguing facets of the Irish culture are the legends and superstitions in Irish History. In honour of New Years Eve, here are a few old Irish customs and traditions to ring in the New Year.
Throwing Bread at the Door
An Irish friend told me that her family does this every year. Just before midnight everybody goes outside, and when the clock strikes 12, everybody throws a piece of bread at the front door. This is to keep hunger away through the upcoming door. The pieces of bread are to be left on the porch for the birds to eat, as it was believed they were the ones to grant this request.
House Cleaning
Centuries ago, it was tradition to clean the house from top to bottom. The clean house was to reflect a fresh start to a new year.
An Extra Place Setting
On New Years Eve, Irish families would remember loved ones who had passed away by setting a place at the table for them.
The First Guest
A lot of emphasis was put on the first person to come through the door on New Years’ Day. If it were a man who was tall and handsome, it was believed that the new year would be filled with good fortune. If a redhead girl was the first to enter, it was believed the year would be filled with hardship.
Stock the Pantry
The tradition of having a full pantry, and to be fully stocked with coal is meant to symbolise bounty in the year to come.
These traditions are incredibly fascinating to me, a Canadian living in Ireland. I am curious to know how many of these traditions are actually celebrated today. Do you celebrate New Years by keeping any of these customs? Or do you have your own? Please comment as I would love to know!
