What a fascinating tradition! I love it. Sometimes I feel annoyed that my family lacks traditions, but then I remind myself that I can make that change...it just requires time and patience. At least I have small traditions for myself. Thank you for this 😊
In the old Russian tradition all the doors of the house a kept open a few minutes before the new year rings in in order to let the old year air out and begin anew.
I just finished a novel, a gothic murder mystery, A Grave Matter, Lady Darby Mysteries #3 and learned about Hogmanay and First Footing and the origins of "Auld Lang Syne"! I love learning more about these traditions from your delightful post, Kate. May 2024 be your best year yet!
I'm on the fifth in the series (audiobook from the library) and I find them interesting historical fiction even if the murder-thriller part is sometimes too contrived and implausible. The current one, As Death Draws Near, finds Lady Darby and her new husband heading from Scotland to Ireland to investigate the murder of one of the Duke of Wellington's relatives. I love learning about Scotland and look forward to this one set in Ireland, a country I love. They appear to all be set in about the 1830's. Lots of aristocratic snobbery and hierarchy but it's not too lauded. I'll likely complete the series.
My grandmother followed the first-foot tradition. She lived in an apartment building and she asked her dark-haired neighbor to be her first-foot at midnight. She gave him a bag of groceries to bring when he came.
But sometimes the tradition caused problems. One neighbor did not have room in her fridge for the ham she was going to serve on New Year's Day. Nana was happy to store it for her, but told her she had to come get it before midnight. New Years Day came and so did the neighbor but that ham was not leaving the apartment. The neighbor had to prepare it at my grandmother's apartment and that's where the party was held.
I went to visit my Nana and I spent New Year's Eve with her, but New Year's Day I was moving on to spend time with my sister. That night I loaded my suitcase into the car because I was not allowed to leave the home with anything other than the clothes on my back and my purse.
Thank you for sharing your grandmother's strict adherence to tradition. Though I had not heard of food not leaving the house, it was very amusing. A belated Happy New Year.
This is a lovely post, as rich as Dundee cake! It's great to read about "first footing". And thank you for sharing the lovely paintings, too. Happy New Year!
What a fascinating tradition! I love it. Sometimes I feel annoyed that my family lacks traditions, but then I remind myself that I can make that change...it just requires time and patience. At least I have small traditions for myself. Thank you for this 😊
My pleasure - enjoy making your own traditions.
Wonderful! Happy New Year!
In the old Russian tradition all the doors of the house a kept open a few minutes before the new year rings in in order to let the old year air out and begin anew.
My husband's mother was Russian and opened all the windows as well!! A bit too chilly for me, but I always feel we must let the old year escape.
I just finished a novel, a gothic murder mystery, A Grave Matter, Lady Darby Mysteries #3 and learned about Hogmanay and First Footing and the origins of "Auld Lang Syne"! I love learning more about these traditions from your delightful post, Kate. May 2024 be your best year yet!
Thank you so much, I also hope 2024 is a splendid year for you. I love murder mysteries, are the Lady Darby ones good?
I'm on the fifth in the series (audiobook from the library) and I find them interesting historical fiction even if the murder-thriller part is sometimes too contrived and implausible. The current one, As Death Draws Near, finds Lady Darby and her new husband heading from Scotland to Ireland to investigate the murder of one of the Duke of Wellington's relatives. I love learning about Scotland and look forward to this one set in Ireland, a country I love. They appear to all be set in about the 1830's. Lots of aristocratic snobbery and hierarchy but it's not too lauded. I'll likely complete the series.
Thank you, I’ll have a look.
My grandmother followed the first-foot tradition. She lived in an apartment building and she asked her dark-haired neighbor to be her first-foot at midnight. She gave him a bag of groceries to bring when he came.
But sometimes the tradition caused problems. One neighbor did not have room in her fridge for the ham she was going to serve on New Year's Day. Nana was happy to store it for her, but told her she had to come get it before midnight. New Years Day came and so did the neighbor but that ham was not leaving the apartment. The neighbor had to prepare it at my grandmother's apartment and that's where the party was held.
I went to visit my Nana and I spent New Year's Eve with her, but New Year's Day I was moving on to spend time with my sister. That night I loaded my suitcase into the car because I was not allowed to leave the home with anything other than the clothes on my back and my purse.
Thank you for sharing your grandmother's strict adherence to tradition. Though I had not heard of food not leaving the house, it was very amusing. A belated Happy New Year.
That first painting is absolutely stunning. Thanks for introducing me to it!
And happy new year, Kate!
This is a lovely post, as rich as Dundee cake! It's great to read about "first footing". And thank you for sharing the lovely paintings, too. Happy New Year!
Thank you - Happy New Year!
Glad you like it, the way he painted the sunset is stunning. Happy New Year to you & yours!
Happy New Year!
To you too!