I’ve written before about the traditions that surround Hogmanay. Of course it all depends on upbringing and what has been passed down through the ancestors. Mine were a funny lot, being a mixed bunch varying from Baptist tee-totallers to those who embraced anything which would give an excuse for a party.
There were a lot of things which led into superstition. In other words, if your house was clean and you got rid of all the dirt it meant good things for the coming new year. Similarly, it was traditional for bills to be paid. In my own case, I liked to get my desk clear and in order. Yes – I’m the kind of person who feels better when the bits of paper are filed away and the to-do trays are emptied as far as possible.
As our cat, Fox, came to the end of his life this year, it seems appropriate to show him in one of his favourite poses. The other one, was sprawled on top of the computer keyboard. He was a fine cat: good at mousing, too good at catching birds and in his elder years becoming more and more stubborn.
Isn’t it strange the way that superstitions can creep into our lives even when we know intellectually that there is no basis for them in actual fact. Yet I have to confess to having this terrible propensity for “touching wood.” I’m not bothered by the throwing salt over the shoulder when you’ve already spilt some. And as for ladders, I look for the best option – ie under the ladder or round it, whichever looks safest.
But here we are on the last day of the year and the urge to clear up, dust, pick up dog’s toys, empty the rubbish………… are all high on the priorities and things to do list. Well, this Hogmanay I am instituting a new regime. Take things as they come. All the best for 2011 to you and yours.
sorry to hear about Fox, it is always a huge wrench when one of our four footers leave us.
Happy times in the new year to you too Freda!
XO
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Interesting post. You’re the second blog I’ve read today commenting on cleaning before the new year. I’d never heard that before. It does seem like a good idea.
I certainly can appreaciate the loss of a pet. Our 17-year old Max died in May of this year. We miss him and his antics. We live one-day-at-a-time with our Peaches who was Max’s life companion, and keeps the younger dogs in line. Love your cat Fox. I am particularly fond of orange cats. I had one years back named Bob Cat.
PS. My desk is not so neat. I knock on wood, and throw a little salt over my shoulder if I spill some (which sometimes causes consternation on the part of others in a restaurant), and other things and don’t care who knows.
Glad to hear about your healthy attitude towards salt, Dianne! I suffer from having been brought up to try to please others. It means I constantly worry about what others think of me. It’s just coming up to “the Bells” here in Dalamory, so I shall think about a resolution which involves being more comfortable with myself.
I’m knocking wood hoping that will keep my messy ways from bringing me bad luck in the coming year.