You have probably wondered why people throw firecrackers and set off fireworks on New Year's Eve. Our ancestors believed that loud noises and bright lights drive away bad spirits and bad luck. The modern versions of these are firecrackers and flashing mini-rockets, which are a dog owners' nightmare. In the past, in addition to making noise, families opened all the doors at midnight on 31 December to let the old year out, because if it doesn't leave the house, the new year can't come in.
What to eat on New Year’s Eve
Many beliefs are associated with meals on the last day of the year. It’s common knowledge that this time of year pork is the only meat you should eat because it will dig out good luck, while poultry is off limits because chickens bury things in the ground. So the main course should be roast pork. Other courses should include lentils, rice and millet because lots of little things will bring prosperity in the New Year. During the New Year's Eve dinner, you should also hide a coin under the tablecloth, which is supposed to promote financial security in the coming year. And it should be strudel for dessert, because whoever rolls out the dough will have a long life and happiness. It’s best if you fill the strudel with poppy seeds. Many families baked fortune scones on New Year's Eve, hiding a coin in the middle of the dough. Superstition has it that whoever finds the money will have a prosperous New Year, but it is important that the scones are all eaten before midnight, otherwise it will bring bad luck.