Mixing Cultures on New Year’s Eve
I doubt my eyes will be open at midnight tonight.
I know for sure I won't be wearing yellow panties, despite the good luck they promise. (I don't own yellow panties. Bad color for me.
But, on this New Year's Eve of 2011, I will be mopping and throwing the dirty bucket water out the door a lo cubano, there will be 12 grapes consumed, and there likely will be some Violetas cologne splashed around the corners of the rooms to santiguar la casa un poco. Oh, and a suitcase by the door to inspire travel in 2012.
And, because we're Southerners, you know, on January 1, 2012, we will dine on black-eyed peas and greens -- a culinary wish for good fortune.
It is my guess Maria, at 8, will think me crazy, ridiculous, even. I know I thought these rituals loco when I was little. But, there is a comfort in ritual, a tie that binds you to your people, your place.
The New Year's Eves of my past are varied -- with family, in NYC clubs with friends, in restaurants, at house parties. All fun, memorable-ish. All rites of passage, maybe.
But, the way we do it now -- just us, at home with maybe a quick visit to a friend's party -- is so good. Quiet, comforting, reflective.
For Maria, I'll explain the New Year's rituals learned from family, and I will hope she eats the black-eyed peas this year. She didn't last year, despite my covering them with cheese and making them a creamy dip.
You know, I'm thinking she may truly get it all, remember it when she's grown, if she's the one who mops the floor.
Happy New Year, all. May you prosper in 2012.
Great post- como siempre. BB, extremist that I am, and 2011 being the year that it was, spent yesterday steam cleaning my rugs- cubito wasn’t gonna be enough this time! Needless to say, estoy con la cintura caida -but not los animos.
Adelante 2012 que Babushka tiene ganas de bailar!!!
BB2U
bohemian babushka´s last essay ..Christmas Craziness, Candies & Cariños
Babushka, gracias!
I am with you on all the cleaning. It feels good to start fresh!
Did you dance mucho?
The main tradition we had growing up on New Year’s Eve was to bang pots and pans outside at midnight. I don’t let the kids do it though. Our neighbors are mostly elderly and I don’t want to be responsible if one of them has a heart attack LOL.
Carlos will be throwing water outside. He doesn’t require dirty mop water, but my kitchen could use it, so maybe I’ll throw that idea out to him … kill two birds with one stone ;)
I’ve got the suitcase by the door and some grapes in the fridge. Wishing you lots of luck, prosperity, health, happiness and fun travel in the new year, Carrie. Besos!
Hilarious on the banging of pots.
You must do that one year. At least one!
And, I may throw just a cup out one day…Symbolism.
Have a beautiful year, Tracy!
Go get them!
xo
No wonder I don’t have much luck…always thought it was supposed to be red panties! A suitcase by the door!?!? This I must do!!!!!
Happy New Year!!!
(ours will be a quiet one too…the best ones!!!)
Marcela,
Red is for love! And, it appears you already have that! xo
Did you put your suitcase by the door?
Travel to come see me in Nashville!
Happy New Year!
Me encantan los rituales de fin de ano !!! Cada pais tiene sus costumbres. En Colo,mbia y uno que no dejo de hacer, es el de salir corriendo con una maleta cuando es media noche, asegura viajes para el nuevo ano, asi que como, es uno de mis hobbies, no falta el ritual en casa!
Feliz 2012!!