A man attended a religious talk on predestination and freewill.
After the program – as he was walking out of the building – he fell down a long flight of stairs.
Dazed, he shook himself off and said, “Lord, I’m glad that is behind me.”
As we say goodbye to one year and welcome the next, I am reminded how challenging 2022 was, and pray 2023 will bring a better future for our community and the world.
There are many traditions associated with the new year. I grew up eating black-eyed peas with cabbage and cornbread on New Year’s Day. I was always told the peas were the coins and the cabbage was the folding money that I would receive in the coming year.
I don’t know what the cornbread stood for, but I loved it.
In Spain, people eat 12 grapes on midnight New Year’s Eve, in the hope it will bring good fortune and prosperity. This tradition goes back to grape farmers, who came up with an idea to sell more grapes at the end of the year.
In Scotland on New Year’s Eve, the tradition is for the first person to cross your floor at midnight is a dark-haired man carrying gifts.
Why a dark-haired man? When the Scots were invaded by the Vikings, the last thing you wanted was a light-haired man with a horned helmet and sword coming into your house.
In Japan, citizens eat a bowl of soba noodles, believing as the noodles are long and thin it will bring a long and healthy life. Bells are rung to bring in the New Year as a symbol of a fresh start in the coming year.
In Czechia, people cut apples in half on New Year’s Eve. If the inside of the apple looks like a star, then everyone will have happiness and health in the coming year. If the inside looks more like a cross, someone may fall ill.
The country of Armenia was the first nation to make Christianity the state religion in AD 301, when their king converted to Christianity.
On New Year’s Day, they bake a bread that is known as Dare Hats. This bread is prepared with the last of the dried fruits, nuts and seeds to symbolize a good harvest. As the dough is kneaded, prayers and good wishes are said for the coming year. A coin is baked inside and bread. As they gather around the table, the grandmother serves the bread. The person who gets the piece with the coin inside will have good luck.
What New Year’s Eve tradition does your family observe? As I read over the New Year’s Eve traditions in different countries of the world, most had a common thread; a better year, with good wishes, health and prosperity.
My prayer is 2023 will bring you a healthy, happy and blessed New Year.
A New Year’s Prayer by Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchel:
“A new day has dawned, a new year begun
O Lord, call us so we may hear Your voice;
The world turns to hopes and dreams of the future
O Lord, keep us in Your ways and on Your path;
We enter this new year with hope and excitement
O Lord, remind us that You lead us;
O Lord, guide us as we look to You. Amen.”
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.