January, named after the double faced Roman God Janus, who looks back towards
the Old year and at the same time forward to the New.
Something we all do, hopefully with fond thoughts.
Although it is known as the midwinter month, I always feel a great sense of
optimism thinking that spring is just a around the corner. The arrival of the
Snowdrops is always a welcome sight.
influence your luck for the coming year. This is illustrated in the traditional wassail
songs of the orchards.
Love and joy come to you
And to our wassail too
And God send you a Happy New Year
and Good fortune too.
Traditionally it was the custom to take nothing out of the house today, not even rubbish. Do not lend fuel or matches or pay bills ( I like that one!) lest you lack fire and money during the coming year.
If you do, make sure that something is brought back in, preferably a coin.
Take out, then take in
Bad luck will begin
Take in then take out
Good luck will come about
Spread good luck by presenting your friends and neighbours a New Year gift. Nothing expensive, an apple stuck with cloves or holly will do. In Wales the apple would be studded with wheat, oats nuts and evergreen foliage. While in Scotland, the famous Hogmanay gift is a three cornered oatcake accompanied by Christmas cheese. Although I think first footing is the most well known of Scottish customs and is still very common in the Highlands and the North West.
Dark haired men are preferred first visitors to the household, this is believed to date back to the time of the Viking invaders when finding a blonde haired man at your door would more likely to bring fear than joy!
So a Happy New Year and prosperous one to you all!
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