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sure of our sophistication and education.
But what if there are principles of which we are unaware that take no notice of our ignorance of them ...
only chastise us when we break them.
After all, gravity takes no breaks ...
it only gives them
Take "First Foot,"
a custom concerning the first visitor of the New Year to a home.
His function is to bring prosperity and good fortune for the ensuing 12 months to those he visits.
He comes just as soon as possible after midnight, bringing gifts which symbolize plentiful food, health, and wealth. Sometimes he carries an evergreen branch as a symbol of continuing life.
Strict rules govern the choice of First Foot:
Male always for he symbolizes the New Year.
No redheads need apply.
The luckiest representative is a dark-haired stranger, symbolizing a new year full of undiscovered mysteries.
An old form of First Foot has the visitor entering silently, greeted by none.
He goes straight to the hearth, laying the evergreen branch on the fire and a sprig of mistletoe on the mantle above.
Then, he turns and greets those living in the home, and festivities ensue.
I wonder what thought first visited the homes of our minds last year?
Did it symbolize the atmosphere, the temper of our thoughts for the remaining 12 months?
What thought do you think should first visit your mind this New Year? What First Foot will be your physical first visitor?
Can you remember who first entered your home last January? Did he or she reflect the luck and temper of the following 12 months?
Just thought it would be fun to think on these questions, Roland
I think I'll go out tomorrow morning and trim the rosemary. Good smell and decoration, I had dark hair quite a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteI was asked about ten years ago to give my hair color and eye color. The kid just looked at me tapping his pencil. I almost said what? Then I realized, my hair was pretty much white. The mind's eye is often different than reality, n'est pas?
The "ME" I see in my mind is quite different from the ME that others see. May your New Year be wondrous in some way. :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't know the answer to these questions for 2015, but I'll keep them in mind for 2016 and let you know... :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, my friend! May only good things come your way!
And the same to you! :-)
DeleteHi Roland - I have no idea what happened last year at this time I was preparing for the year ahead, to be shattered 9 days on to be told my hip would be replaced the following wee - somewhat short notice! So from then on it roared ahead as much as a new leg can after the initial repair-time!
ReplyDeleteI shall keep an eye open and grab a man! Cheers for now - and all the best to you for 2016 and may it be easy for you. Hilary