What are the New Year's customs and habits that apply in Slovenia, and what do they do in other parts of the world for good luck in the New Year?
Which are the most interesting New Year customs and habits with us?
The customs start already with the menu, as it is supposed to be New Year's in Slovenia always ate pork (or the meat of at least some four-legged animal), because it is said to bring progress, but under no circumstances should we eat poultry that brings backsliding. Namely, according to tradition "the pig rushes forward, the hen scratches back". In addition to pork, they are said to bring good luck lens, which, due to its shape, resembles gold coins, Sarma, which with its green leaves also resembles money, and desserts, which symbolize wealth.
It is also an interesting tradition decorating wells and fountains, because water is supposed to have magical power, so water is sacrificed on this day Christmas tree (ritual bread baked for Christmas holidays), money, apples, walnuts and ivy. On New Year's morning, we should then washed at home with water from the well, which is said to bring prosperity and happiness in the new year. Water is also associated with the belief that whoever washes first on New Year's Day should get it gold teeth, that's why some people brush their teeth immediately after midnight.
They should be on New Year's Day first guest man, because if a woman enters the house first, misfortune will befall us. Girls need to be happy sweeps the room three times in the direction from the threshold to the table (so that the luck will not be carried away) and then litter the garden, so that the fruit will bear better in the new year.
In addition, New Year's time is also marked by various symbols for good luck in our country, such as flies, ladybirds, dwarfs, four leaf clovers, bells, candles, horseshoes, chimney sweeps, pigs and elephants, which can be given as pendants or small figurines.
And abroad?
Other countries also have quite a few interesting New Year's customs. The Spanish sing for luck twelve grape berries (for every ring of the bell), and for a better love life they put on red linen. The Greeks try their hand at gambling – most often in a card game called 31, the Danes enjoy breaking broken or unused plates (the more broken dishes on the doorstep, the more popular the family is). Brazilians do they dress in white with colored linen (the color of the linen is said to determine in which area you will be lucky, e.g. pink panties will bring you luck in love) and we could go on and on. As an interesting point, we should also mention fireworks, which have become a mandatory part of every new year, and originate from China and they are supposed to ward off evil spirits.
Whether these customs have the desired effect or not, they are certainly interesting, and if nothing else, they will undoubtedly spice up your New Year's celebration.
