#newyeartraditions In Germany, there is a New Year's…
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#newyeartraditions
In Germany, there is a New Year's tradition of lead pouring, which is gradually falling into oblivion. This tradition was already known in ancient Rome. Pieces of lead (or other metals with a lower melting point than pewter) are heated in a spoon over a candle or other small flame until they are just melted. The molten metal is then poured into a bowl of cold water, where it immediately solidifies into bizarre shapes. The shape and shadow cast by the solidified pieces of lead are used for fortune telling. To do this, the shape or shadow cast is freely associated. The interpretation follows roughly the same rules as those used in reading coffee grounds. Commercially available New Year's Eve lead packs come with lists of meanings that provide interpretations (e.g., heart = falling in love; flowers = new friendship). The primary purpose is to predict the future of the lead caster.
In Germany, there is a New Year's tradition of lead pouring, which is gradually falling into oblivion. This tradition was already known in ancient Rome. Pieces of lead (or other metals with a lower melting point than pewter) are heated in a spoon over a candle or other small flame until they are just melted. The molten metal is then poured into a bowl of cold water, where it immediately solidifies into bizarre shapes. The shape and shadow cast by the solidified pieces of lead are used for fortune telling. To do this, the shape or shadow cast is freely associated. The interpretation follows roughly the same rules as those used in reading coffee grounds. Commercially available New Year's Eve lead packs come with lists of meanings that provide interpretations (e.g., heart = falling in love; flowers = new friendship). The primary purpose is to predict the future of the lead caster.
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comments
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Such a fascinating tradition! A beautiful mix of history, imagination, and hope, reading the future in melted shapes feels magical and nostalgic. A lovely New Year custom worth remembering.
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