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United States A melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, Americans have various backgrounds and beliefs that guide their New Year's customs. Take a look at the most common. Kiss someone at the stroke of midnight. The idea of kissing for good luck may date back to Europe's Renaissance masquerade balls, when people would kiss the first person they saw after removing their mask to ward off evil spirits. But, according to English and German folklore, the first person you encounter will dictate the year's destiny. Find a well-liked or loved special someone to smooch at midnight for a year of happiness. Eat cabbage and pork. In areas like Ohio and Pennsylvania, many ring in the New Year with cabbage and pork. The veggie's symbolism runs deep: its round shape stands for good luck, its green color is associated with financial accomplishment, and strands of cut cabbage suggest long life. Pork has a strong connection with prosperity. Some think it's because pork was once a luxury reserved for the wealthy and ruling class. Others point to pigs' tendency to root in a forward direction—the direction you want to move in a new year. Throw water out the window. When the clock strikes 12, Puerto Ricans throw buckets of water out their doors and windows. Done in an effort to wash away the bad vibes from the previous year, they also sprinkle sugar outside their front door to welcome a sweet new year. Canada Like other countries, a variety of old-world practices present blessings and prosperity in Canada. Here's what many Canadians do for a happy new year. Go ice fishing. Arguably Canada's most famous New Year's Day event, ice fishing is a pastime meant to be enjoyed with friends and family. Because fish only swim in one direction—forward—they're affiliated with a new year. They're also symbolic of abundance, which people desire in the year ahead. Eat black-eyed peas. In Canada, a bowl of creamy black-eyed peas is practically a requirement. Rumored to bring riches, culinary historians trace these tasty legumes' link to good luck to 500 A.D., when they were eaten on the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah. The beans can be served with collard greens, which are associated with money. When mixed with tomatoes, black-eyed peas are believed to deliver both wealth and health. Step foot in the front door at midnight. It's called the first footing, and it's from the late 8th-century Vikings' invasion of England and Scotland. To follow tradition, a young male is supposed to enter the house at midnight and hopefully lead prosperity to the home. It's even better if the person entering is tall, has dark hair, and comes bearing gifts, like silver coins for luck, bread for food, or salt to add spice to life. Mexico Mexico is rooted in tradition, and some of the things Mexicans do and the food they eat for positive energy in the new year have been adopted by other countries worldwide. These are our favorites. Wear colorful underwear. There's not one article of clothing more important than underwear on New Year's in Mexico. The color says a lot about what your future holds, so choose your preferred hue wisely. If you want luck, wear yellow; for love, wear red; for peace, wear white; and for fortune, wear green. Eat 12 grapes—fast! As the countdown to midnight begins, it's time to cram grapes in your mouth, finishing them before midnight arrives. Each grape signifies one wish for each month of the year. Finish your grapes in time, and congrats, your wishes will come true! If you were served 12 grapes and conscientiously refused to play along, you risk misfortune in the next 12 months. Burn a scarecrow. Usually performed in Mexico's southern states, burning a scarecrow, or effigy, demonstrates putting the past behind you and starting anew. Representing the old year, or el año viejo, these figures are human-sized, made of old clothes, and stuffed with newspapers and other materials. The ritual usually takes place as fireworks light the night sky. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 31