The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

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NEW YEAR'S SUPERSTITION

YOU MUST HAVE PORK FOR YOUR NEW YEAR'S DAY DINNER.

Submitter comment: THIS OLD GERMAN SUPERSTITION IS TRADITIONAL IN MY UNCLE'S FAMILY.
ACCORDING TO HIM: "PORK WAS SUPPOSED TO BRING GOOD LUCK AND
FORTUNE, AND THIS WAS BASED ON AN OLD RURAL BELIEF THAT MOST
FARM ANIMALS WANDERED AWAY FROM THE HOUSE, WHILE THE HOGS ALWAYS
ROOTED TOWARDS THE HOUSE." HE ADDED WITH A SMILE, "MY MOTHER
WASN'T SUPERSTITIOUS, BUT WE ALWAYS HAD PORK FOR NEW YEAR'S."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE

Subject headings:

CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
BELIEF -- Animal
BELIEF -- Good luck

Date learned: 01-00-1964