In this episode of Monthly Spooky, we explore some of the strangest and creepiest New Year's traditions from around the world as I sit down with my co-host Michelle to reflect on the past year and the peculiar ways different cultures celebrate the coming of a new year. We discuss how these bizarre customs reveal deeper meanings and beliefs about fate, fortune, and the supernatural.

We start by recounting our recent holiday experiences, which included painful bouts of food poisoning and a visit to the Philadelphia Christmas Village. Michelle shares her less-than-stellar Hanukkah experiences and how being physically present during her illness has turned our friendship into a comedic yet tragic tale. There's an amusing back-and-forth as we reminisce about different food adventures and our mutual love for hot pot, all while highlighting how illness can dampen holiday spirits.

After some humorous anecdotes, we shift gears to spooky news stories that bring a chill to the heart. These include a humorous account of a missing Baby Jesus statue from a nativity scene in Colorado that was returned with an apology note, and a ghostly encounter captured on TikTok that left a mother defending the innocence of her toddler. We contemplate the meaning behind such strange happenings, weaving our discussion into the fabric of creeping superstition.

Next, we dive into our main topic: peculiar New Year’s traditions. Exploring various customs, we highlight the practice of using bread to scare away spirits in Ireland, and how setting a place at the table for departed loved ones signifies a welcoming gesture. We also ponder the chilling belief that doing laundry on New Year's Day may wash away a family member, a superstition that leaves one cautious about household chores. In contrast, we discuss rituals that encourage abundance and ward off evil, such as the practice of noise-making and opening doors to usher in prosperity.

As we navigate through other strange customs—like the "bear dance" in Romania and the "grape-eating" tradition in Spain—we find connections between the joy of welcoming a new year and the dread that some cultures associate with impending misfortune. I share my thoughts on the significance of these rituals, while Michelle adds her cynical perspective, questioning the logic behind each practice.

Wrapping up, we reflect on the trials of the past year, expressing gratitude for the support received from listeners and each other. I highlight the importance of celebrating what we've learned and the relationships we've nurtured despite the chaos. This dynamic and often humor-laden episode touches upon the human experience, the traditions that shape our lives, and the connection between love, loss, and the uncanny.

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Music by Ray Mattis http://raymattispresents.bandcamp.com

Executive Producers
Rob Fields
Mark Shields
Bobbletopia.com

Produced by Daniel Wilder

This episode is sponsored by 
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