You're dreaming of snuggling up in front of the fireplace in your new home this winter, but right now you need to make this new space your own.
There are lots of housewarming rituals worldwide that help homeowners settle in to their homes and neighborhoods.
You might remember the famous scene in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" when George and Mary Bailey welcome the Martini family to their new home: Bread, that this house may never know hunger. Salt, that life may always have flavor and wine, that joy and prosperity may reign. Well that is a real blessing from Italy, where it is customary to bring bread and salt to a new home.
According to Living Etc., in Turkey, neighbors offer new homeowners strong coffee, sweet treats, and sometimes make them an evil eye charm to protect against bad energy.
The Greeks emphasize hospitality. Housewarming guest may bring olive oil, wine or bread. A priest may sprinkle the home with holy water.
A Chinese housewarming banquet may include gifts of a framed painting or calligraphy scroll, wishing long life, peace and prosperity.
One sweet ritual is observed by both Russians and Japanese. The cat goes over the threshold first, inviting fortune, luck, and drawing out any negativity.
In one housewarming ceremony of India, the Griha Pravesh, love ones witness the first fire lit in the kitchen. Milk is boiled until it overflows and guests bring sweets or coconuts.
The Buddhist ceremony of Khuan Ban Mai is often observed in Thailand. Monks bless the new home and tie a holy thread known as sai sin on the wrists of the family.
In the Philippines, rice on the floor symbolizes good fortune, while in Korea red beans on the floor attract positive energy.*****
