One of the many customs Greece has on New Year's Day is the Pothariko, which in Great Britain (correct me if I'm wrong!) is called "the first foot". It has to do with the very first person entering the house in the new year. This person must be a good-natured, lucky person in order to bring good luck to the house. Therefore this person is usually carefully picked by the homeowners to do so. They often choose their kids as they are considered innocent, good souls.
The person entering the house must do so with their right foot first so that everything will go "right" for the household the whole year. Upon entering the house he or she throws with force a pomegranate to the floor and as it splatters all over the place s/he wishes that the house will have such an abundance of health, joy and goods all year long!
Of course such customs are considered by many as superstitions, still, we like keeping them alive! Traditions/customs are something we all ought to keep and continue honoring, because they're part of our identity and culture and also because they make the holidays unique and more enjoyable!
What are your country's New Year's Day traditions?
Photos are courtesy of Google images.
I loved that custom until you got to the part where you splatter the pomegranate on the floor. It's a great tradition and I love the symbolism, but yikes, those pomegranates would stain, wouldn't they?
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of this! But what if it is you favorite pet that runs into the house first? Hopefully still good luck!
ReplyDeleteMy husband loves this kind of fruit. I thought it was okay a little to sour/sweet for me
ReplyDeleteLove the meaning behind this tradition. Would be a lot of fun to participate in. As far as traditions for the new year, for me and my family it's just sticking to something as simple as playing card games and "ringing in the new year" together. As far as anything else, we are occasionally driven to watch the ball drop in time square NY. Anything else is just for fun. Thank you for sharing the tradition.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the wonderfull posts these days!
ReplyDeleteI hope that you enjoy New Year's Eve! Also hope to see you tomorrow for your name day and enjoy a piece of that delicious Vassilopita :)
Hi There and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I'm Hanna, I found you on Mom's Monday Mingle and I am your newest follower! SO nice to meet you:) You can find me anytime at www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com
ReplyDeletexoxoxo Hanna
YOUR BLOG IS WONDERFUL AND YOUR POSTS ARE LOVELY.
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