I grew up in Sussex County, Virginia where almost everyone adhered to superstitions that had been handed down through generations.
Christmas trees
Some Virginians take down their Christmas trees before New Year’s Day because they say they don’t want to take anything old into the new year. People who aren’t superstitious keep their Christmas trees up much longer.
New Year’s Day visitors
In my hometown, an older well to do man was invited to be the first visitor to enter a person’s house on New Year’s Day. That man had to be a positive person that was desirable to be around all year long.
My parents would not let the town’s drunkard be the first person to enter our house. My mother made the man stay outside while she called my grandfather who didn’t live far away to come to our house and be the first visitor to enter.
Foods to eat
Certain foods are still eaten on January 1 to bring good luck, peace, and prosperity for the rest of the year.
- Mixture of black-eyed peas and stewed tomatoes
- Collard greens to represent paper money
- Golden cornbread