Bringing in the New Year, MY WAY

Superstitions and spiritualism is ingrained in the Hispanic culture. Being of Hispanic decent, in my case Puerto Rican, it's only natural that I've picked some up along the way. New Years is one time of the year that is most filled with superstition. For many years now I've been sharing and participating in certain rituals on the last day of the year. At the stroke of midnight it's a mad dash at our house as we rush to complete them all. It's tons of fun, especially at parties! Here is a list of things to have on hand if you want to participate: A broom (a straw broom if you intend on burning it), writing paper & a fireproof bowl, eggs, 12 grapes per person, some spare change (dollar bills), a suitcase, a chair close by, yellow underwear (very important!) and split pea soup.

NEW YEARS RITUALS

At the strike of midnight: 

(Note: 1-3 can be started at 11:45; 4-7 should be done at midnight) 

1. Using a straw broom, symbolically sweep your house starting at the highest point working your way down and out the door. This sweeps away any negative energy from your home. If you can, burn the broom afterwards.

2. Write down bad habits or beliefs that you wish to leave behind. In a fireproof bowl or fireplace, safely burn the paper. This makes space for new ideas, people, and opportunities to enter your life. Carefully, throw out the ashes when they cool.

3. Holding a raw egg in your hand rub the shell allover your body, to absorb any negative energy, and throw it outside the door as far as you can. 

4. Eat 12 grapes one at a time, making a wish on each grape for the 12 months of the year.   

5. Have money in your hand to ensure financial security.   

6. If you want to travel, have your feet off the ground (stand or kneel on a chair) with a suitcase in your hand.   

7. For more sex in the coming year, wear yellow underwear.   

8. For good luck eat pea soup on New Years Day (I think this one's an Irish one).  

OK, OK maybe burning the broom, and the raw egg thing is taking it too far for some of you, but if you only take part in steps 4 – 7 it will be guaranteed FUN! Please let me know if any of you take part in these or any other rituals. I would love to add some more to my list.

For the New Year I wish my family, my friends, all the people in world, and this beautiful planet that I love so much, Harmony, Peace, Balance and most of all LOVE!