Good Luck And Good Fortune

When the clock strikes twelve on December 31st, people all over the world are going to be cheering and wishing one another a Happy New Year. For some, this event is just another day. For others, the New Year symbolizes the beginning of a better tomorrow. A tomorrow filled with happiness, success, and good fortune. My mother definitely believes in the latter. With all of the excitement and anticipation that builds up prior to New Year's Eve, it is easy to get caught up in all of the fuss. 

Today's post is dedicated to my mom, Juliet Chan.  She doesn't get caught up in all of the fuss. Instead, every New Year's Eve, she follows a few rituals that have been passed on to her by her mother and from her mother's mother.  She's not a big partyer (anymore!) and prefers to have a quiet night in on this celebratory evening with my stepdad, Bill Chan, and our family dog, Ernie. She doesn't usually make it to midnight as she says, "it's way past her bedtime," so she begins her New Year's Eve preparations early. 

For those of you who want this New Year to bring you good luck and good fortune, below are my mother's New Year's Eve rituals that we would like to share with the Pleasury family. We hope it will too, bring you good luck and good fortune as it has my family. Thanks mom!!

First, my mother places thirteen round fruits, especially apples and oranges in a fruit bowl on the dining table. My mom says that she chooses round fruits because they resemble  money - coins; and will bring you good luck for the year.

Second, she strategically places coins throughout the house for good luck. My mother places  coins near the front doorway so good luck will enter the home. Also, she places a coin on each stairway step in the house.

Third, she turns on all the lights in the house before midnight. She does this so that "all the good luck gets in."

Fourth, she places 7 one dollar bills in a red envelope and places it under her clothes in her dresser drawer. She says that this will bring good luck for life.

Fifth, my mother hangs a bundle of grapes at the front door entrance because it symbolizes money (again, like the fruit, because grapes are round and resemble coins).

Sixth, she opens all the cupboards, drawers, and closets, so even more good luck will enter the house.

Last (this one's my favorite!), wear clothes with polka dots as the dots symbolize coins. even if you're planning on just following this last ritual, here are some cute finds!

Source: www.coolspotters.com

Source: www.thefashionpolice.net

                             

Source: www.forever21.com

My mother, I believe, embodies the spirit of New Year's Eve and "the beginning of a better tomorrow." Thank you for reminding me of the importance of family traditions. I love you mom and Bill, and HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

Bisous,

Stacey and Rowena