Make as much noise as possible at midnight to scare away evil spirits.
Children born on New Year's Day bring great fortune and prosperity to all the household.
Wear something new on January 1 to increase the likelihood of your receiving more new garments during the year to follow.
Kissing at midnight: To ensure that those affections and ties will continue throughout the next twelve months. To not do this would be to set the stage for a year of coldness.
Taken from © OldSuperstitions.Com
In the Philippines children jump up and down at midnight to make sure they will grow tall.
German's drop melted lead into cold water and take turns interpreting the results.
Taken from © ChiFF.Com
Recognition of Jan. 1 as the first day of the new year dates back to 153 B.C. in Rome, when the date was moved from March 1.
The Babylonians are credited with being the first to make New Year's resolutions. Many people still believe the new year is a good time to reflect on mistakes and vow to do better.
In many places, a Polar Bear Plunge has participants testing their mettle by plunging into freezing water on New Year's Day.
Taken from © DelmarvaNow!Com
It was an old Saxon belief that 2nd January was one of the unluckiest days of the whole year. Those unfortunate enough to be born on this day could expect to dies an unpleasant death.
It is said that if you look through a silk handkerchief at the new moon, which has never been washed, the number of moons you see will be the number of years which will pass until you're married. But it is unlucky to see the new moon through a window.
Taken from © Woodlands Junior School
Don't use scissors on New Year's day or you'll "cut" off any fortune that might have been heading your way.
Taken from © AssociatedContent.com
