Bleisgeissen to Celebrate the New Year

While living in Germany, we were introduced to the German New Year's Tradition called Bleisgeissen. In Germany, people would drop molten lead into cold water and try to tell their future for the upcoming year from the shape it made.

My disclaimer, which sort of sounds like something you might hear in an infomercial: Please note, this activity seriously needs parental supervision. Do not let your children try this at home alone.

A candle is lit and small pieces of lead are melted in a spoon over the candle.

The molten lead is then quickly dropped into cold water, whereupon it hardens and takes shape.

The best part is interpreting what your shapes have become. Traditions states that you can predict your future by recognizing each shape. A heart or ring shape means a wedding, a ship foretells of a travel and a pig shape signifies plenty of food.

We thought this looked like an Olympic Torch (sideways-sorry for the picture). This symbol is very fitting as one of my goals this year is to run a 10K Race, and Kaden wants to run a 5K or in a "Fun Run".

This was our favorite and most discernible shape. We call him "Sparky the Dragon". We couldn't quite figure out what a dragon might symbolize for the coming year so I turned to the internet. According to: http://www.index-china.com/index-english/Dragon-year.html :

"If you are a Dragon, this is a year of great potential for you, and it is a good year to learn. As the noble animal symbol that represents the Chinese emperors, Dragons are born leaders and masters of ceremonies. And because of this, every Chinese parent is hoping to have a Dragon child. Dragon people get things started and keep them moving. They are feisty and gifted with power and luck. Most people look up to the Dragon.

Dragons are born monarchs. As far as they can see, their power is indisputable. Dragons are idealists, perfectionists, they are born thinking they are perfect and they are inflexible. Dragons are also aggressive and determined, going after what they want is second nature to them. And due to their hunger for power, Dragons are not well suited to growing old. The prospect of losing power, the helpless feeling of youthful strength ebbing away is unbearable to them."

I think I like the idea of

"Year of the Dragon"

A New Year

(image via http://www.rubberball.com/)

We recently sat down together as a family to review 2008 and the goals that we had made individually, as well as a family last year. You know what the amazing/pathetic thing was? Our children attained each of their goals, while Kevin and I fell grossly short. I was so proud of them and disappointed with myself at the same time. What a great example my children are to me. I do appreciate the New Year, and the opportunity to begin again.

I recently came across a quote that spoke powerfully to me:

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." --Emerson

So as I look toward 2009, considering all that we have planned, and that which is to come, it is my hope that as a family we will laugh often and much, enjoy and build loyal friendships and family relationships, find the best in others, and maybe even plant a garden.

Happy New Year to our friends and family. May you enjoy all of the wonderful things that 2009 has to offer!