Can superstitions ensure a happy New Year?

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By Tim Guidera - bio | email

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) – The New Year is coming no matter what you do. But some people believe you can control what kind of year comes by what you do.

"I try to eat collared greens on New Year's Day for a prosperous new year,'' said Stephen Giltrap of Cartersville, Georgia.

"Maybe it's just me, but I never go into the new year with dirty laundry," added Alice Koffah, of Queens, NY.

And on it goes. The list of New Year's superstitions is as long and curious as resolutions.

"I'll shred all the bad things for 2009,'' said Savannah's Marlon Epps. "And look positive to 2010.''

But others will question whether there is a shred of validity in any of these beliefs.

"When it comes to superstition, stop believing in it," said Rasheed, the self-proclaimed chairman of River Street.

But people seem to believe anything could help make a happier new year, from making noise at midnight to scare off evil spirits to not throwing anything away on New Year's Day.

You can look for winds from the south to bring prosperity but beware winds from the north. They'll be bringing a year's worth of bad weather.

"My superstition is to never make a New Year's resolution,'' said Jane Emke of Louisville, Kentucky. "If you make a New Year's resolution, you're not accepting yourself exactly where you are and you're exactly the way you're supposed to be right now.''

Some people believe the first person through your door on New Year's Day will influence the type of year it will be.

Preferably, that person should be tall, long-haired and good-looking.

It's even believed that the traditional midnight kiss is not just a celebration of the moment, but a way to ensure that affection continues through the next 12 months.

"That sounds great,'' said Giltrap, who is visiting Savannah with his girlfriend Lori Lankford. "I guess we'll be sure to do it then.''

Just don't expect too much out of any of these wives' tales.

"Stevie Wonder did a song called Superstition,'' said Rasheed, who plays clarinet on River Street. "The words went something to the effect of, 'When you believe in things you don't understand then you suffer.'"

But whatever you choose to believe, here's hoping something makes this New Year a better one.

If you'd like to see more New Year's superstitions, you can see a full list from Snopes.com.