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Unlocking the Magic of Southern New Year’s: Superstitions, Traditions, and Stories That Bind Generations

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What if the way you spent your New Year’s Day could define the tone of your entire year? In the heart of the Carolinas, we believe just that. Southern New Year’s Day isn’t just a celebration—it’s a tapestry of superstitions, traditions, and stories that bind families together and carry the wisdom of generations forward. Whether you’re savoring black-eyed peas for luck or gathering around the dinner table to share stories of family history, every moment is steeped in meaning.

In my book, Unlocking Carolina’s New Year’s Day Superstitions, Traditions, and Delicious Recipes (available now on Amazon), I dive deep into the unique blend of culture, history, and cuisine that makes the Carolinas shine. But today, I want to take you on a journey—a personal exploration of my family’s rich legacy, the untold stories of resilience, and the flavorful traditions that have shaped my life.

A Legacy of Survival: The Dawkins Family Story

My family history reads like an epic novel, with twists and turns that take us from Ireland to Mexico and back to the Southern soil of North Carolina. My sixth-generation great-grandfather, James Dawkins, emigrated from Ireland to the United States before the Great Irish Potato Famine of 1845. His journey wasn’t just about survival—it was about taking a stand.

James Dawkins fought in the Battle of Churubusco during the U.S.-Mexican War, as part of the legendary Saint Patrick’s Battalion. This group of mostly Irish immigrants switched sides to fight for Mexico, drawn by parallels between the plight of Catholic Mexicans and their own struggles under British rule. Their defiance is commemorated in Mexico to this day, with statues of their leader, John Riley, and songs that celebrate their bravery. James survived this harrowing chapter and returned to North Carolina, where his story became part of my family’s lore—a tale of resilience and conviction.

From Laurel Hill to Marlboro County: A Southern Tradition of Connection

Fast forward to the North Carolina of the 19th and 20th centuries, where the Dawkins family flourished. My grandmother, Martha Eva Shoemake, was the matriarch who connected us all. Born in Scotland County in 1921, she embodied the spirit of Southern hospitality, her kitchen a haven of love and warmth.

I still remember the squeaky screen door announcing my arrival on Sunday afternoons after church. The smell of collard greens simmering, cornbread baking, and her soulful humming filled the air. My grandmother didn’t just cook food—she cooked memories. Each bite was a lesson in heritage, in making the most of what you had, and in sharing love through nourishment.

Why Southern Food Is a Story of Survival

Southern cooking isn’t just about flavor—it’s about ingenuity and resilience. Our ancestors made do with what they had, turning humble ingredients into soul-stirring meals. From scraps to sustenance, every dish tells a story.

Black-eyed peas symbolize prosperity, while collard greens represent wealth. Pork, a traditional New Year’s Day staple, signifies progress, as pigs root forward when they eat. In my book, I share not only these delicious recipes but also the cultural and historical significance behind them. These aren’t just dishes—they’re time capsules of our collective Southern identity.

Superstitions That Shape the Year

“Whatever you do on New Year’s Day, you’ll do all year long.” This saying has been passed down in my family like gospel truth. New Year’s superstitions in the South aren’t just quaint—they’re a roadmap for a prosperous future. From avoiding laundry (lest you “wash someone out” of your life) to ensuring the first guest of the year is a man (for good luck), these traditions are woven into the fabric of Southern life.

Why This Book Is a Must-Read

If you’ve ever longed to reconnect with the past or create meaningful traditions for the future, Unlocking Carolina’s New Year’s Day Superstitions, Traditions, and Delicious Recipes is your guide. With every page, you’ll discover the stories, rituals, and recipes that make New Year’s in the Carolinas unforgettable.

This isn’t just a cookbook—it’s a celebration of culture, a love letter to Southern resilience, and an invitation to carry these traditions forward. Whether you’re Southern by birth or simply by heart, this book will inspire you to embrace the joy of New Year’s Day in a whole new way.

Grab Your Copy Today!

Don’t let another New Year’s Day pass without embracing the magic of the South. Order your copy of Unlocking Carolina’s New Year’s Day Superstitions, Traditions, and Delicious Recipes on Amazon and step into a world of flavor, history, and heart. Make this New Year a celebration to remember—and pass these cherished traditions on to those you love.

Click here to order your copy now and start your journey into the soul of Southern New Year’s!

Unlocking Carolina’s New Year’s Day: Superstitions, Traditions, and Delicious Recipes

Reconsidering the Black Cat: Guardians of Good Fortune

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Reconsidering the Black Cat: Guardians of Good Fortune

By A.L. Childers

When it comes to superstitions, few are as enduring or widespread as the belief that a black cat crossing your path brings bad luck. For centuries, these sleek, mysterious creatures have been associated with witches, omens, and misfortune. But have we ever stopped to consider the possibility that these black cats might not be harbingers of doom, but rather guardians, warning us to take another path?

The Origins of the Superstition

The notion that black cats are unlucky dates back to medieval Europe, where they were often linked to witches and the supernatural. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that witches could transform into black cats, making them a symbol of witchcraft and dark magic. This association was so strong that during the witch hunts, many black cats were killed alongside those accused of witchcraft.

Despite these dark associations, in some cultures, black cats have been seen as symbols of good fortune. For instance, in ancient Egypt, black cats were revered and often worshipped. In Japanese folklore, a black cat crossing your path is considered good luck.

A New Perspective

What if we flipped the narrative on its head? Instead of seeing a black cat crossing our path as a sign of impending bad luck, what if we viewed it as a warning or a message to reconsider our current course?

Consider this: black cats are known for their keen senses and agility. They are often more in tune with their surroundings than we are. Perhaps, when a black cat crosses our path, it is sensing something that we cannot. It might be alerting us to a danger ahead, urging us to take a moment to rethink our next steps.

The Power of Intuition

Intuition is a powerful yet often underestimated tool. Animals, including cats, rely heavily on their instincts to navigate the world. They sense danger, detect changes in their environment, and react accordingly. When a black cat crosses your path, it could be tapping into this intuitive knowledge, sending you a subtle signal to be more aware of your surroundings and decisions.

Embracing the Black Cat

Rather than shunning black cats or viewing them with suspicion, we should embrace their presence and consider the potential messages they bring. Here are a few ways to shift your perspective:

  1. Pause and Reflect: If you encounter a black cat, take a moment to pause and reflect on your current situation. Is there something you might be overlooking? Is there a decision you need to reconsider?
  2. Trust Your Instincts: Just as the black cat relies on its instincts, so should you. Trust your gut feelings and pay attention to any subtle signs or warnings from your environment.
  3. Honor the Messenger: Acknowledge the black cat as a potential guardian rather than a bearer of bad luck. Thank it for its presence and the reminder to stay mindful.

Conclusion

It’s time to reframe our understanding of black cats and the superstitions that surround them. Instead of viewing them as symbols of bad luck, let’s see them as wise guardians, warning us to reconsider our paths and decisions. By embracing this new perspective, we can transform an age-old superstition into a source of wisdom and guidance.

So the next time a black cat crosses your path, don’t be quick to blame it for any misfortune. Instead, take it as a gentle nudge from the universe to stop, look around, and maybe even choose a different direction.

By changing our perception, we not only honor these beautiful creatures but also open ourselves up to a more intuitive and mindful way of living. And who knows? That black cat might just lead you to the good fortune you never expected.

Superstitions from Around the World for New Year’s Day: What You Can and Can’t Do

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New Year’s Day is celebrated with fervor across the globe, marked by fireworks, parties, and resolutions for the year ahead. However, many cultures also hold unique superstitions about what one can and cannot do on this day. These traditions often stem from ancient beliefs and customs passed down through generations. In this article, we will explore some intriguing superstitions from around the world associated with New Year’s Day and delve into the history behind these beliefs.

  1. Avoiding Cleaning and Housework (United States)In the United States, it’s common to hear the superstition that one should avoid cleaning, doing laundry, or any strenuous housework on New Year’s Day. The belief is that cleaning on the first day of the year may “wash away” the good luck and fortune that the year may bring. This superstition likely originates from the desire to start the year with relaxation rather than labor.
  2. First-Footing (Scotland)In Scotland, a popular New Year’s Day tradition is called “first-footing.” The first person to enter a home after midnight on January 1st, known as the “first-footer,” is believed to bring luck for the upcoming year. It is customary for this person to bring symbolic gifts like coins, bread, salt, or whiskey. The tradition dates back to ancient Scottish and Norse customs.
  3. No Chicken or Lobster (Brazil)In Brazil, it is considered bad luck to eat chicken or lobster on New Year’s Day. These animals scratch backward and walk sideways, symbolizing setbacks and lack of progress. Brazilians prefer to feast on foods that represent forward movement, like fish, which swim forward, to bring prosperity in the coming year.
  4. Breaking Plates (Denmark)In Denmark, a unique New Year’s tradition involves smashing old plates and dishes on the doorsteps of friends and family. The more broken dishes you find on your doorstep, the more friends you have. It’s a symbol of friendship and the hope for new connections in the year ahead.
  5. Jumping Off a Chair (Greece)In Greece, children partake in the tradition of jumping off a chair on New Year’s Day. The act is believed to help them grow taller in the coming year. It represents a fresh start and personal growth.
  6. No Crying (Philippines)In the Philippines, people avoid crying or arguing on New Year’s Day, as it is thought to bring bad luck and unhappiness throughout the year. Instead, they try to maintain a cheerful and harmonious atmosphere.
  7. Banging Pots and Pans (Puerto Rico)In Puerto Rico, it is customary to make loud noises at midnight on New Year’s Eve to ward off evil spirits and welcome good luck. People often bang pots and pans, set off fireworks, or honk car horns to create a noisy celebration.

Conclusion

Superstitions surrounding New Year’s Day are as diverse as the cultures from which they originate. While some may seem whimsical, they are deeply rooted in tradition and history, reflecting the desire for a prosperous and harmonious year ahead. Whether you choose to follow these superstitions or not, they add a layer of intrigue and meaning to the celebration of the New Year, reminding us of the rich tapestry of human beliefs and customs. So, as you welcome 2024, may you do so with a spirit of hope and positivity, whatever your superstitions may be!

Appalachian Folklore, Wives’ Tales and Superstitions

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Give the first pinch of a freshly baked loaf of bread to the Good Men to keep them happy.

• Deaths and births always come in threes.

• Spin around in a circle three times before you walk in the front door to confuse any spirits that are following you.

• Don’t throw your hair out! If a bird builds a nest with it, you’ll have migraines.

• “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky at morning, sailor’s warning.”

• If the leaves on trees are flipped over with their backsides showing, rain’s coming.

• If you hear a dog howl at night, death is coming

.• If you’re giving someone a wallet or purse as a present, put money in it to ensure they’ll never financially struggle.

• Spirits can’t cross running water.

• Cats and dogs won’t enter a room where spirits are present.

• Carry an acorn in your pocket for good luck, a penny for prosperity, and a nail for protection.

• If you’re having nightmares, put a Bible under your pillow. They’ll go away.

• Take a spoonful of honey to keep your words sweet

.• Keeping a pot of coffee on ensures a happy home.

• It’s bad luck to walk over a grave

• A horseshoe hung above a door ensures good luck

.• A horseshoe in the bedroom staves away nightmares.

• If your right hand itches, you’ll soon be receiving money. If the left itches, you’ll be paying it.

• Wishing on a star works. “Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.”

• When you have a random shiver, someone just walked over your grave.

• If smoke from a fire rises, expect clear skies. If it rolls along the ground, expect storms.

• Rosemary near the door provides protection. Lavender provides peace.

• “A ring around the sun or moon, rain or snow is coming soon.”

• Wind chimes and bells keep spirits away.• Seeing a cardinal means unexpected company.

• For that matter, so does dropping silverware.

• Rubbing a bit of potato on a wart helps it to go away.

• If the soles of your feet itch, you will soon walk on strange grounds.

• Black eyed peas, greens, and/or pork and sauerkraut should be eaten on New Year’s Day to welcome good luck and good fortune.

• Driving a nail into a bedframe or crib will drive away curses.

• If your ears are burning, someone’s talking about you.

• If you dream of fish, you are or will soon be pregnant.

• Listen to the wisdom of children, they see and know more than we think.

• To dream of death means birth, to dream of birth means death.

• To cure a headache, crush some mint leaves in your hands, cup them over your mouth and nose, and breathe in a few times. It should help.

• Placing a fern or ivy on the front porch protects against curses.

• In a vegetable garden, never plant the same plants in the same spot two years in a row. Rotate where they are, and you’ll save your soil. (Note: this is a real thing called crop rotation, and is actually kind of important)

• A black bird (Raven or crow, doesn’t matter) on the roof or a windowsill is an omen for death. To avoid it, you have to scare it away without using your voice before it caws.

• Say a prayer when you pass a coal mine for the lost souls still in the mine.

• Thank the land and the Lord with every successful hunt or harvest you have, for nothing is guaranteed.

If you have more to add that would be fantastic!

Food traditions would be an excellent too!

Audrey Childers is a published author, blogger, freelance journalist and an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in research and editorial writing. She is also the creator and founder of the website the hypothyroidismchick.com. Where you can find great tips on everyday living with hypothyroidism. She enjoys raising her children and being a voice for optimal human health and wellness. She is the published author of : A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty, Reset your Thyroid, The Ultimate guide to healing hypothyroidism and  A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty: the slow cooker way. You can find all these books on Amazon.   This blog may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this copyright statement.

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