by Ana L. Palles

Depending upon our part of the world, we each have our own set of rituals to welcome in the New Year.

For example, one tradition our family has is that we eat 12 grapes for each stroke of the clock at midnight. This is in addition to toasting with a glass of bubbly “Sidra,” or hard cider. The grapes represent happiness and abundance for the coming months.

Since the universal focus is on clearing out the old in order to make room for the new, many people spend time doing a thorough cleaning of their home. One very old tradition requires taking the bucket of cleaning water out of the house and splashing it out on the street. This is done to cleanse, not only the dirt, but the negative energies that may have accumulated in the home during the course of the year. It also freshens up the ambiance by clearing the space and prepares us to start anew.

Often, foods are key elements in many traditions or rituals. All over the world special dishes are prepared for New Years. In the southern areas of the United States, eating a bowl of black eyed peas is considered good luck that brings prosperity for the coming years. Others bake special cakes with coins for good luck.

Walter Mercado, a renowned Puerto Rican astrologer, recommends using candles and bouquets of fresh flowers in the home especially at New Years to bring good fortune, express gratitude and beauty.

For example, Taurus, a sign associated with spring, fertility, and abundance, may bring in fresh roses, light a green candle, and place a dollar bill under the candle to focus intent on prosperity for the new year. Leo, a sign associated with children and heart, may use an orange candle and fresh sunflowers. Mercado advises drizzling the sunflowers with honey to inspire love for the coming year. Keeping a glass of water on a high surface, especially one with a little salt, is said to keep negative energies neutralized. Including a prayer with such practices goes a long way in welcoming in grace, even if it is just a simple thank you for what we have received the past year.

So, go ahead and incorporate some of your favorite practices year round. Keep in mind the key themes of clearing out, eliminating what no longer serves you in life, and welcoming with an open and thankful heart the blessings we receive each day.