by Celine Bernadette Francisco

Created on: June 29, 2009   Last Updated: July 01, 2009

Besides the green leprechauns and shamrocks, Ireland will always be known for its superstitious beliefs and traditions cultivated and enriched through the ages. If you have the inkling to spend New Year in the land of luscious greenery's and mines of cultural heritage, you will certainly be delighted upon learning how the Irish celebrate the year to come.

November 1 - This is the start of the year for the Celts or Irish. The Celtic New Year is also their first day of winter, thus, just like how they celebrate Halloween (which is a Celtic origin), the Irish commemorate another start in relationships, health, wealth, and prosperity.

Plenty-a-plenty and wishes to come true

The Irish people hope to fill the year ahead with productivity and bountiful blessings. Hence, they store goods and coals throughout their cabinets and hope for a more fruitful year ahead. They prepare their tables with their most scrumptious meals and eat together with their families.

Moreover, in the hope of acquiring provisions, they also smash Christmas bread along the doors and walls of their houses, believing that this will take away or prevent them from encountering bad luck.

During this time of year, women also place some pieces of mistletoe under their pillows, wishing that they would finally get to meet the man of their dreams.

Ever thought about some other means to attract good fortune? Well, the Irish certainly have more ideas to keep good luck coming all year round. They also believe that the first person you encounter passing along your home has an impact to your luck the whole year. Hence, they really hope that someone tall, dark, and handsome would walk right in front of their houses - considering that someone as such will bring them good fate. However, if a red-haired girl does, then that is considered an omen of mishaps.

Another custom you might note considerable as truly Irish is about people going into their front doors, then out again through the back door during midnight - to draw good luck.

A New Year's Blast

What other way to celebrate the New Year than merriment? The Irish people do want to anticipate a fresh beginning with a bang. People usually celebrate with their families, friends, along with dances and music all throughout the evening.

Also, traditionally, the richest in the village invites everyone in the community as they feast on roasted pig or some other mouth-watering delight out of his livestock.

Then, children receive oranges too, as these fruits are considered special and again, for good luck.

Hence, no matter how good luck is supposed to reach the household, one thing is for certain. The Irish have their significant ways that let them feel they are blessed, considering their olden days' customs brought up until the modern generations.

Learn more about this author, Celine Bernadette Francisco.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.