Ever wonder, ‘Why Pigs, Four Leaf Clovers, Horse Shoes, Toad Stools, and Chimney Sweeps?’
The history of New Year’s good luck is a mix of many theories and are all tied into folk lore. Each country brought with them their own tales which they told around the campfire during the settling of the New World. Why some stuck and others have faded is a mystery……………….(To read more, click on the picture.)
With the rich mixture of ethnic diversity America has to offer, our lives are full of a wonderful array of fun and interesting traditions we pass down to each child. And as children do, they take those tales to heart, passing them onto the next generation.
Some of the New Years’ traditions have been around for hundreds and even thousands of years. Good luck from a pig, on the eve of a new year, is believed to be started in the time of Julius Caesar. Pigs were animals that could feed a family. Boars were linked to the center of a bulls-eye, to help keep you focused on the prize. I n the Middle Ages, losers were awarded a piglet for a consolation prize.
The Germans and their traditions believed the pig to be good luck because he always rooted with his snout, moving forward, representing progress. And chicken was never to be eaten on the eve of a new year because it would bring bad luck, scratching good luck back and away. Pork and sauerkraut came from Pennsylvania Dutch roots. Cabbage is the symbol of prosperity. The pieces on your plate would represent the amount of wealth you would receive in the new year. Hog Maw, or better known as Pig’s Stomach, is still a favorite traditional meal served at the end of a year.
In the UK, Chimney Sweeps were a symbol of the cleansing for the new year. Similar to Santa Claus, she would bring items of good luck. Hence the name Klaus of the Cinders. Four leaf clovers and Red Fly mushrooms were a favorite. Though the mushroom is poisonous, it was also considered a hallucinogenic so I’m guessing, that is the connection: the belief that it brings wisdom and power to those who consume it. I didn’t say all traditions were founded on sound ideas.
The horse shoe is believed to hold onto good luck and chase away bad spirits. The confusion is which way to turn the open end? Some believe turning it up, holds the good luck in. And others believe turning it down makes the luck pour onto those who pass through the door. Which way will you choose?
With all this sound advice the Gilmer County WV Historical Society members wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
