Hungarians are weird – we know that. So it's probably not a big surprise that we have our own New Year's Eve traditions. Let's see what are these things that most of the Hungarians take care of on this day.
There are many superstitions and traditions associated with New Year's Eve, perhaps more than at any other occasion. Some of these are so common that even those people do so who do not believe in such things. Now we collected the main guidelines that we follow on New Year's Eve and on the first day of the year.
We Do:
Everyone knows that eating lentils or beans will bring good luck, so be sure to include it in the menu.
Pork dishes are also recommended because they 'root out the luck' as they root the ground. In fact we also should grab their tails to guarantee our luck next year.
At midnight on New Year's Eve, all doors need to be opened so that the past year could go out. Until it doesn't leave, the New Year cannot come in.
On New Year's Day, the sight of empty pockets, cupboards or shelves brings poverty, so the chamber needs to be filled, pockets and wallets have to be full of money to be wealthy throughout the year.
The bright lights and noises of the New Year's Eve keep all kinds of bad things away - so the loud house party immediately makes sense.
We don't Do:
Tradition says that the New Year's Eve dream comes true, so let's not miss the night because of partying, but have time for a fortune telling sleep.
Washing and unfolding is forbidden on New Year's day because it causes death.
It is also forbidden to take out the trash on the first day of the year because we will pour out the luck out of the house with it.
It's not so good to start the New Year with debt, it has to be paid back before the New Year.
It is not fortunate to use scissors on New Year's Day because whoever does so will cut off their luck.
It is also forbidden to consume chicken or hen, because it kicks our luck away
We believe:
To meet a chimney sweep is always a good thing, and if you can pull one strand off his brush on the first day of the new year, you will have a rich, successful and productive year.
The first visitor of the new year has to be a man, because he brings luck to the house. Women, in contrast bring unfortunate incidents.
What you do on New Year's Day will have an effect on the whole year, so avoid disputes and quarrels. Whoever gets up early will be fresh all year long, while those who feel weak, sick, will be like this all year long.
