The new year for Italian Americans is a combination of tradition, superstition and a bit of magic. New Year’s Eve is not just a time for celebrations but also an opportunity to shape destiny, ward off evil spirits and and guarantee a year of prosperity. Here are some time honored traditions still followed in Italy and by Italian Americans today.
Lighting a fire for the Family to Enjoy
The flames of fire on the last day of the year are symbolic for 2 reasons. Supposedly, evil spirits shy away from fire and therefore will avoid your home. Also, the fire is an invitation to the Virgin Mary to warm baby Jesus by the heat of the fire. Once the fire is put out, families transfer the ashes into charms to protect the home for the rest of the year.
Lentils For Prosperity
Lentils and sausage is a favorite dish to enjoy on New Year’s Eve as it symbolizes prosperity. Also because the shape of both the lentils and sliced sausage are similar to coins, they represent wealth in the year to come.
Out with the Old, In With the New!
A new year symbolizes a fresh start and eliminating old and unnecessary items from your life clears room for new opportunities. Italians take this to heart and with the passionate natures they possess, literally throw old appliances, dishes and anything else they consider old out of their windows and onto the streets on New Year’s Eve!
Red Undies
This is the most commonly known tradition as the color red symbolizes love and passion and wearing them at midnight is thought to ensure luck in the matters of the heart. If for no other reason, it is a fun tradition to follow!
First-Footing Tradition
The belief is that the first person to enter a home after midnight on New Year’s Eve will bring good or bad luck. It is the norm for the guest to bring gifts such as coins, bread and salt to represent wealth, food and flavorings for the coming year.
- Cover photo [pngtree.com]
