An Old Wives Tale

[Addie]

There is an old wives tale that I have gotten many of my friends to do on New Years Eve.

Place some money outside the entrance to your home before twelve midnight. It can be any amount. You can place it under the welcome mat, in your mailbox, anywhere. Then after midnight, retrieve it and make it the FIRST thing to enter your home. Toss it in the door if necessary. The purpose of this is so that you will have riches for the new year.

Does it work? Who know for sure. But it is a fun thing to do anyway. Some of my friends have made out very well. None have gone hungry or broke. Now one of my friends goes to the casinos once a year and always comes home a winner.

Here's wishing you all a wealth of riches.

 

[Aunt Bea]

That is an interesting story!

I would be tip-toeing down the hall collecting the cash!

We were brought up to believe it was bad luck to spend any money at all on New Years day. It was thought that if you were thrifty and frugal at the beginning of the new year it would set the tone for the rest of the year. We were also taught not to carry any old debts into the new year. Every bill that could be paid was paid before the end of the year.


What other traditions or superstitions do you continue relating to the new year?

 

[Addie]

That is an interesting story!

I would be tip-toeing down the hall collecting the cash!

We were brought up to believe it was bad luck to spend any money at all on New Years day. It was thought that if you were thrifty and frugal at the beginning of the new year it would set the tone for the rest of the year. We were also taught not to carry any old debts into the new year. Every bill that could be paid was paid before the end of the year.

What other traditions or superstitions do you continue relating to the new year?

Gee, New England is so full of Old Wives Tales, it is any wonder we ever made any progress. I an going to have to do some research. Will get back to you.

 

[Claire]

I was told by friends who know, that in Asian countries it is very much a tradition to sweep your home and person clean to bring in the new year truly new. You clean your house and place of business. You pay off all your debts (where the red envelope tradition started). You go through your belongings and get rid of what I call "excess baggage" -- anything you don't use and don't really need, throw it away or give it to charity. Start new and fresh.

 

[GB]

I thought you were going to say that you then go around to your friends houses and check under their welcome mat and in their mailboxes and collect the $

 

[Addie]

I thought you were going to say that you then go around to your friends houses and check under their welcome mat and in their mailboxes and collect the $

There are 39 other apartments in this building. I better get busy and tell them about this OWT. I will collect my riches before the New Year even begins.

 

[Sir_Loin_of_Beef]

I don't know anything about old wive's tails. I'm a leg man.

 

[Addie]

I don't know anything about old wive's tails. I'm a leg man.