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NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM (EUROPEAN)

IN ORDER TO ENSURE ONESELF FOR A GOOD YEAR, IT IS COMMON CUSTOM
IN EUROPE FOR THE HEAD OF A FAMILY TO APPOINT AN OUTSIDER (CLOSE
FRIEND) TO BE THE FIRST ONE TO PUT HIS FOOT IN THE HOUSE. IF
SOMEONE UN-APPOINTED CAME INTO THE HOUSE, THE NEW YEAR WOULD NOT
BE A GOOD ONE.

Where learned: MAILED FROM ENGLAND

Keyword(s): FIRST FOOTING

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

Date learned: 03-25-1968

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Food - Fixed Date

EAT ANYTHING THAT ROOTS (DIGS THEIR WAY INTO THE GROUND) LIKE
PIGS, ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, OR AS THE FIRST MEAL OF THE NEW YEAR.
NEVER EAT ANYTHING THAT SWIMS OR FLIES OR YOUR MONEY WILL DO THE
SAME. EAT NO FOWL OF ANY KIND.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant is grandmother of collector.

Where learned: informant's home

Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F123
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
BELIEF -- Bird
BELIEF -- Fish

Date learned: 11-10-1970

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NEW YEAR'S CUSTOMS AND CELEBRATIONS

SWEEP SILVER DOLLARS OVER DOOR SILLS FROM OUTSIDE INTO HOUSE FOR
WEALTH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES ; informant's home

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

Date learned: 02-17-1970

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WELSH SUPERSTITION

THE WELSH BELIEVE THAT THE FIRST PERSON TO COME INTO THE HOUSE
RIGHT AFTER MIDNIGHT ON NEW YEAR'S EVE TELLS OR PREDICTS THE LUCK
THE HOUSEHOLD WILL HAVE. IF A MAN COMES IN, THE HOUSE WILL HAVE
GOOD LUCK. A WOMAN MEANS BAD LUCK.

Submitter comment:

THE REASON HE KNOWS OF THIS CUSTOM IS BECAUSE A LADY ASKS HIM TO
WALK INTO HER HOUSE EVERY YEAR AT MIDNIGHT SO THAT SHE WILL HAVE
GOOD LUCK.

Where learned: OHIO ; TOLEDO

Keyword(s): ANTIFEMINISM ; SEXISM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Good luck P881.42
BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.42

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NEW YEAR'S DAY

IF YOU EAT CHICKEN ON NEW YEAR'S YOU WILL SCRATCH YOUR WAY THROUGH
THE YEAR. IF YOU EAT PORK YOU WILL BE PIGGY AND GRAB EVERYTHING.

Submitter comment:

THE INFORMANT BELIEVES THIS AND CHICKEN IS NEVER SERVED ON NEW
YEAR'S IN HER HOUSE.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector share the same surname and place of residence.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; informant's home

Subject headings: 870
Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
BELIEF -- Bird

Date learned: 01-23-1971

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NEW YEAR'S DAY

ON NEW YEAR'S EAT GOURMET FOOD.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT'S FAMILY ALWAYS EATS FRENCH FOODS ON NEW YEAR'S BECAUSE
THEY FEEL THAT IF THEY EAT WELL ON NEW YEAR'S THEN THEY WILL EAT
WELL ALL THROUGH THE YEAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; informant's home

Keyword(s): BLASON POPULAIRE ; FOOD PREDICTION ; FRENCH FOOD

Subject headings: 870
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
BELIEF -- Measure of time Year
PROVERB -- Blason Populaire

Date learned: 03-05-1971

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SCOTTISH-IRISH CUSTOM

THEY CALL THIS FIRST-FOOTING. IT IS A SCOTTISH CUSTOM ALSO FOUND
IN SCOTTISH INFLUENCE AREAS OF IRELAND.
YOUR HOME AND YOU WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK IF YOUR FIRST VISTOR IN THE
NEW YEAR IS A DARK HAIRED MAN, ESPECIALLY IF HE BRINGS YOU A PIECE
OF COAL.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR

Keyword(s): COAL ; GIFTGIVING

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Mineral
BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
BELIEF -- Color
BELIEF -- Good luck P881.42

Date learned: 02-04-1968

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NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM

IF YOU ARE THE FIRST PERSON TO ENTER
A FRIEND'S HOME, YOU MUST GIVE THEM A GIFT.

Submitter comment:

LEARNED FROM GRANDMOTHER

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING

Subject headings: 686 686.1
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

Date learned: 12-06-1967

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NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM

IF YOU LAY A BROOM ACROSS THE DOOR-WAY,
THE FIRST PERSON TO PICK IT UP AND GIVE IT
TO YOU WILL BE AN ENEMY OF YOURS THAT YEAR.

Submitter comment:

LEARNED FROM GRANDMOTHER

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FIRST FOOTING

Subject headings: 686 686.1
Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Measure of time Year

Date learned: 12-06-1967

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SURVAKNIZA NEW YEAR

AROUND THE NEW YEAR IN BULGARIA, THE CHILDREN PEEL OFF THE OUTSIDE
BARK OF A PARTICULAR KIND OF TREE BRANCH SO THAT THE BRANCHES
BRANCH OUTWARD IN A CONICAL EFFECT. THESE SHAPED BRANCHES ARE
THEN DECORATED WITH BITS OF CLOTH AND ORNAMENTS. THE EFFECT IS
MUCH LIKE A SMALL CHRISTMAS TREE. ON NEW YEAR'S DAY THE CHILDREN OF
THE AREA PAT PEOPLE ON THE BACK WITH THESE BRANCHES, WISHING THEM
PROSPERITY AND GOOD HEALTH FOR THE COMING YEAR. HOMES ARE BLESSED,
ALSO LIVE STOCK AND ANIMALS WITH A TOUCH OF THE TREE BRANCH.
IN RETURN FOR THIS THE CHILDREN ARE GIVEN SMALL PRESENTS, TOYS
AND CANDIES BY THE RECIPIENTS.

Submitter comment:

THE INFORMANT REMEMBERS WITH DELIGHT PARTICIPATING IN THIS CUSTOM
AS A YOUNG BOY. HE CONSIDERS THIS TO BE A VERY NICE CUSTOM,
WITH A GOOD PURPOSE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HENDRICKSONS PHARMACY ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING ; PROSPERITY ; RITUAL WHIPPING

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
BELIEF -- Prayer

Date learned: 03-21-1970

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NEW YEAR WISH

I WISH YOU MUCH LUCK IN THE NEW YEAR,
AND THAT OUR DEAR LORD WILL SPARE YOU
IN THE LAND FOR MANY YEARS

AT NEW YEAR TIME, CHILDREN WERE GIVEN THIS WISH IN DUTCH. THEN EACH CHILD RECEIVED $1.

Submitter comment:

THIS LITTLE WISH WAS GIVEN TO THE GREAT GRANDPARENTS
OF THE INFORMANT BY HER MOTHER AND HER
AUNTS AND UNCLES AT THE NEW YEAR TIME.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector share the same surname.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Prayer
SPEECH -- Formula

Date learned: 09-00-1969

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NEW YEAR'S IN JAPAN

ON JANUARY 1ST AT THE STROKE OF 12 MIDNIGHT
ALL THE TEMPLES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY BEGIN TO
STRIKE THEIR BELLS. THE BELLS ARE RUNG 108 TIMES TO
PRAY FOR EVERLASTING PEACE. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE
NUMBER 108 HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE BUDDAH RELIGION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIBRARY ; DETROIT ; THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Keyword(s): NOISE

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Number P686.1.108
SPEECH -- To Be Heard

Date learned: 11-11-1969

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NEW YEAR'S

A WEEK BEFORE NEW YEAR'S IN SCHOOL THE CHILDREN WROTE A NEW YEAR'S
LETTER TO THEIR PARENTS AND THEIR GRANDPARENTS. THEN ON NEW YEAR'S
DAY THE GRANDFATHER WOULD READ OFF THE LETTERS AND THEN EACH CHILD
WOULD GET SOME MONEY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT INFORMANTS HOME

Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

Date learned: 10-20-1971

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CUSTOM: JAPAN NEW YEAR'S

"OMOCHI" (RICE DOUGH) POUNDING IS STILL AN INTEGRAL PART OF NEW
YEAR'S CELEBRATION. IT IS THE MAKING OF THE OLDEST FOOD OF JAPAN
AND IN THE COUNTRY THE POUNDING IS DONE BY THE FEET OF SERVANTS
WHO SING THE FOLLOWING TRADITIONAL SONG AS THEY WORK:


"THE MOUSE IN THE HOUSE OF PLENTY"
WE ARE THE MESSENGERS OF THE GOOD-LUCK GOD,
THE MERRY MESSENGERS.
WE'RE A HUNDRED YEARS OLD, YET NEVER HAVE HEARD
THE FEARFUL CRY OF CAT;
FOR WE'RE THE MESSENGERS OF THE GOOD-LUCK GOD,
THE MERRY MESSENGERS.

Submitter comment:

WHEN IN JAPAN, INFORMANT USED TO WATCH "OMOCHI" POUNDING AT HER
FATHER'S ANCESTRAL HOME.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector share the same surname.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Work
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F690 F690.101
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
Food Drink -- Manner of preparation
BELIEF -- Gods
BELIEF -- Good luck

Date learned: 08-01-1964

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NEW YEAR

IF YOU OWE SOMEONE MONEY ONE YEAR AND YOU CARRY THE DEBT
OVER TO THE NEW YEAR, YOU WILL EXPERIENCE SOME TYPE OF FINANCIAL
DIFFICULTIES THE REST OF THE NEW YEAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WESTLAND ; informant's home

Subject headings: 870
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Measure of time Year
BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.42

Date learned: 02-08-1970

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NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM

THE IRISH AT NEW YEAR'S ALWAYS HAVE PORK FOR DINNER AND
LEAVE MONEY ON THE OUTSIDE OF A WINDOW AND TAKE IT ON
NEW YEAR'S DAY. SIGNIFICANCE IS THEY NEVER WILL BE BROKE
FOR THE YEAR.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; SCRANTON

Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.1231
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals

Date learned: 04-01-1972

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NEW YEAR CUSTOM

THERE IS A GREEK TRADITION WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BRING
GOOD LUCK. THERE IS A PASTRY CALLED PETA WHICH IS BAKED
IN A SQUARE PAN. BEFORE IT IS BAKED THE COOK PUTS
MONEY RANGING FROM A NICKEL TO FIFTY CENTS. IT USED TO BE
A FIFTY CENT PIECE BUT NOW THAT MONEY IS PRECIOUS IT'S GETTING
SMALLER AND SMALLER. ANYWAYS, THEY PUT THIS COIN IN THE DOUGH
AND BAKE IT. THE PERSON WHO GETS THE PIECE WITH THE COIN
WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK THAT WHOLE YEAR. THE CEREMONY HAPPENS ON
NEW YEAR'S DAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): DOUGH CALLED "FILO" ; GIFTGIVING ; GREEK CHEESE IS CALLED "FETA"

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert
BELIEF -- Measure of time Year
BELIEF -- Good luck P881.42

Date learned: 02-23-1972

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CUSTOM

IN JAPAN, THE PEOPLE EXCHANGE NEW YEAR'S
CARDS WITH FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; UNION

Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

Date learned: 11-25-1969

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CUSTOM-FIRST FOOTING

THE FIRST PERSON TO STEP FOOT IN YOUR HOUSE AFTER THE NEW YEAR
CANNOT DO SO EMPTY-HANDED. IF THEY DO IT MEANS THAT YOU AND YOUR
FAMILY WILL HAVE A LEAN YEAR. IF THEY BRING A GIFT, THEN YOU AND
YOUR FAMILY WILL HAVE A FAT YEAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC ; SYMBOLIC ACTION

Subject headings: 686 686.1
Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
BELIEF -- Measure of time Year
BELIEF -- Good luck P881.42
BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.42

Date learned: 09-26-1965

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