Senior Older and Wiser By June Michel

HAPPY NEW YEAR SENIORS. Here are some traditions and beliefs from around the world that will help us to be healthy, wealthy, and wise as we ring in 2022.

1. WATCH: The Space Needle will light up the Seattle sky at the stroke of midnight this New Year's Eve with a musically choreographed pyrotechnics display.

2. PROSPERITY: In our Southern tradition, its good luck to eat certain foods on New Year's Day. Eat Black-Eyed Peas, Collard Greens, and Cornbread for good luck. This meal represents "peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold."

3. OUT WITH THE OLD: In the Philippine tradition you need to let the old year out so the new year can come in. On New Year's Eve crack open a window or door.

4. WEAR RED FOR LUCK: Several cultures believe you will increase your good fortune in the New year if you are wearing red underwear at midnight on New Year's Eve.

5. ENSURE THE ABSENCE OF HUNGER: The Irish believe that leaving a slice of buttered bread outside your front door will ensure the absence of hunger in the new year.

6. WEALTH: Filipinos believe that you can increase your wealth and good fortune if you scatter coins in every room. The round shape and color of oranges is said to resemble the gold of coins and will bring you prosperity according to Spanish traditions.

7. GOOD LUCK: In several European countries, the New Year’s Eve traditions include eating 12 grapes, one for each month, before midnight for good luck in the New Year.

8. LONG LIFE: In the Asian tradition, eating long noodles on New Year's Day brings longevity. Long noodles represent long life

9. DON'T CLEAN: Don't do laundry on New Year’s Day it symbolizes washing your loved one away. You will be sweeping your luck away if you sweep your home on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

10. END POVERTY: On New Year’s Day take 12 pennies out into the street and throw them over your shoulder. This is a symbol of getting rid of poverty. But don't go back and pick up the pennies you threw. That is bad luck, and could invite poverty into your life.

11. PEACE: Many cultures believe that if you wear white on New Year's Eve it will bring you peace in the new year.

12. STOCK UP: OK seniors, the basic belief across the world is that as you begin the New year is how the rest of year will be. We want some cash in our wallets and food in our cupboards. It's considered especially lucky to have extra rice. Rice has long been associated with wealth.

13. KISS SOIMEONE YOU LOVE AT MIDNIGHT: If you do this, the positive sentiment will last throughout the new year.

14. TO ENSURE ADVENTURES: Carry an empty suitcase around on New Year’s Eve.

15. EVERYONE AT THE FACTS wishes you and yours a Happy and Prosperous 2022.