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Post by cristina on Apr 30, 2010 4:04:53 GMT
Some friends and I are thinking of a housewarming gift for a European friend who is about to move into a new home here in Phoenix.
My first thought was to do what I usually do... a traditional bread, salt and wine gift, along the lines of this saying:
For your new home.. bread so that your home may never know hunger, salt so that life may always have flavor, and wine so that joy and prosperity fill your home for a lifetime.
Sometimes, a broom is included to "sweep away troubles." But before I compile our gift, though, I am interested in other traditions for celebrating a new home.
What are your traditions, either new or old? And why?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2010 10:58:57 GMT
In New Orleans, where Caribbean roots run deep,there is a long time tradition of having one's home exorcised by a "white" witch or priestess. A ceremony involving smudge sticks made up of various,very specific herbs are burned and the house is cleansed of any evil spirits that may reside there. It's a variation of a type of voodoo still practiced here much more than people realize. Another local tradition is to bury a statue of Saint Joseph in the ground,generally in front of the home. This is to bless the home with good wishes.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 30, 2010 17:43:45 GMT
I don't think that's right about St. Joseph. He is invoked when one wants to sell the house, & if he doesn't do his job promptly, he's buried upside down in the yard.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2010 17:49:47 GMT
I don't think that's right about St. Joseph. He is invoked when one wants to sell the house, & if he doesn't do his job promptly, he's buried upside down in the yard. I heard that version too,and the one I posted as well. Maybe he does double duty? I have accidentally dug up so many statues over the years in people's front yards while installing flowers. I have yet to encounter an upside down one. In due time I guess!
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