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Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Showing posts with label New Year's Eve traditions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Year's Eve traditions. Show all posts

Monday, January 01, 2018

Monday Musings: New Year's tradition around the world

Here are some New Year's traditions from around the world:

Making a lot of noise seems to be popular everywhere. In ancient Thailand, guns were fired to frighten off demons, and China, firecrackers kept away the forces of darkness.

Food is another popular tradition. In the southern U.S., black-eyed peas and pork foretell good fortune. In India and Pakistan, rice promises good fortune. The Swiss drop dollops of whipped cream on the floors, which symbolizes the richness of the coming year.

Drinking alcohol is probably the most popular tradition. Wassail (Good Health) is a favorite punch-like drink in England. In Holland, toasts are made with hot, spiced wine.

Swapping gifts is done in some parts of the world. In Rome, gifts of gilded nuts or coins marks the start of the New Year. Persians exchange eggs, a symbol of fertility. Early Egyptians traded earthenware pots. In Scotland, coal, shortbread, and silverware were given for good luck.

Scotland celebrates Hogmanay. People visit friends and family. The first foot forward to cross the threshold will predict the next year's fortune.

The practice of making New Year's resolutions began with the Babylonians as early as 2600 B.C.

New Year's folklore:
At midnight, kiss the person you want to keep kissing.
If the old year goes out like a lion, the new one will come in like a lamb.

Happy New Year!

Kelley Heckart
Otherworldly tales steeped in myth, magic & romance.
“Ms. Heckart draws the reader into the pages and enchants them with her words.”
CTR





Tuesday, January 01, 2013

New Year’s Blog Hop: The New Year’s Kiss


My favorite part of a New Year’s Eve celebration is the kiss. It’s all about who you are standing next to when the clock strikes twelve. Stand near the wrong guy and the first kiss of the New Year will be less than spectacular. Stand next to a hottie or someone special and the New Year is off to a heart pounding bang.
 
It seems the New Year’s Eve tradition is more than crushing lips and dizzying sparks. Of course, the kiss loving Romans started the tradition of a kiss at the stroke of midnight. The Romans included kissing at their Solstice and Saturnalia celebrations, which spread to welcome the New Year.

Yes, it really does matter who you are standing next to when midnight arrives on New Year’s Eve—the kiss sets the tone for the New Year. Pick a loved one or someone that will welcome that lip lock. Awkward may not be the best way to start off the New Year. Tip: Alcohol can help loosen up those lips and nerves. So, down a big glass of champagne and plant yourself next to that hunky guy—and pucker up!

Happy New Year!

Daughter_of_Night
Blurb:
Two mortals are caught in the midst of the battle between the Titans and Olympian gods.

Becuille is a Daughter of Night, servant to the Great Goddess and wielder of Her vengeance. Callileon is a prince of the Hatti, and may be the one she was sent to punish.

When love finds them, they are cursed by the gods and surrounded by tragedy, which even the Fates are powerless to change.

Can two mortals fight the will of the gods?
 
Very short excerpt:
With the servant's help, they dressed Inaras in a warm tunic. He carried her to bed and covered her with warm blankets, stroking her cheek. She closed her eyes, falling asleep. He left her side and sat near the fire to dry his wet clothes, shifting to accommodate his aching balls. The kick she had delivered to his sensitive man parts had been like a kick from an untamed horse. He could not help smiling at her unbridled spirit. The smile faded and he stared into the fire, brooding.
“My lord, I found the pipe.” Zunia handed it to him.
“You may go now, but return at daybreak.”
“Yes, my lord.” She left the room.
He held the smooth clay pipe, feeling rage at the instrument that threatened to destroy the one he loved, but he knew the pipe was not his true enemy. Whatever had driven Inaras to hide behind the poppy demons was the true enemy. Clutching the pipe in his fist, he threw it into the fire. The pipe broke in two pieces. He watched with satisfaction as the flames consumed the evil pipe, crackling and spitting.
Buy links: http://kelleyheckart.com/BookShelf.html

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com
http://twitter.com/CelticChick
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

For a chance to win a $5.00 Mundania Press gift certificate from me, leave a comment with your email and the correct answer to this question that can be found in the short excerpt above: What did he throw in the fire?  
Below is the list of grand prizes. Leave a comment on this post with your email for a chance to be included in the grand prize drawings. Please note: The large swag pack prize can only be shipped within the U.S.















The link back to main blog hop site where you can find links to all of the participating blogs:
http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/