The first day of the year is naturally a day of importance as its events may have a tendency to affect all the days that are to follow. Many a strange belief, therefore, centres about this day in all lands, and the symbols of future good or bad luck are eagerly sought in everything that occurs.
In many parts of England it is believed that if a male person crosses the thereshold first, it betokens good luck, whereas, if a female be the first to cross, bad luck is sure to follow. A man or boy, therefore, is often hired to enter a house before the occupants are up. Whole bands of males are employed for a small fee, for this purpose.
If a clergyman be first to enter a home on New Year's Day the significance is good.
Chimneys used to be cleaned on New Year's Day in England, so that luck could descend and remain all the year.
It was considered luckier for a dark-haired man than for a fair-haired man to be the first to enter a home. A bachelor was luckier than a married man. A widower brought bad luck.
It is customary in some parts for the first visitor to bring a gift of a cake or loaf of bread, to indicate prosperity for the rest of the year.
It is considered unlucky to remove anything from a house on New Year's Day, until something has been brought in from without. Each visitor therefore brings a slight gift.
Eating a cake is considered a sure bringer of luck on the first of the year. In rural disctricts, special New Year cakes are baked for this purpose.
To lend something to a friend is sure to bring a good return.
To put on new clothes on new Year is considered lucky, so also to bathe.
Money earned on New Year's Day will bring a hundredfold in its train.
Resulutions made on New Year's day should be carried out, if they are good, and will insure good luck.
It is good to give alms on the New Year. In many parts poor folks are invited to partake of the family's cheer.
