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Monday, December 29, 1997

New Year's Eve celebrations of old, etc.

By JACK MacGUIRE

Footnote to history: Among the many ethnic groups that settled Texas, the observance of the New Year was laden with superstition and folklore.

Mexicans, borrowing a Spanish custom, celebrated New Year's Eve with a "tertulia," or party. Unmarried male and female guests wrote their names on numbered slips of paper, which were drawn by lot. Those with matching numbers were partners for the evening and for social events throughout the year.

German tradition called for living New Year's Day in the manner the individual hoped would be the pattern for every day through the next 12 months. This meant wearing a new garment, spending as little money as possible, staying healthy and doing no unpleasant work. Some food was left on the dinner plate to ensure a well-stocked larder for the rest of the year.

The English and Scots believed that the first uninvited visitor after midnight brought either luck or misfortune. If the "first-footer" had dark hair, carried a piece of coal and a morsel of bread, salt and little money, it meant good luck. A female first guest was a bad omen.

Whatever their ethnic origin, early Texans washed no clothes on Jan. 1. To do laundry meant death for some family member during the year.

Arising early, having some money in the pocket and eating a dish of black-eyed peas were traditions observed by all who wanted to prosper. Texans today may like to sleep late on New Year's morning, but eating black-eyed peas remains a tradition.

Traveling Texas: West Texas State University in Canyon is the northernmost institution of higher learning in the state.

The readers write: Recent efforts to abolish the office of constable in Texas brought several letters asking what duties this officer has.

Electing constables in county precincts was borrowed from British law. In ancient England, it was an office of high military rank. When the king was absent, the constable often was in command of the troops.

In Texas, the office is empowered by the Constitution. Like the sheriff, he is elected by the people and answers to the county commissioners. They set his pay but can't fire him.

The constable's assigned area is a precinct of the county. Within this area, he can make arrests, serve warrants and perform other law enforcement duties. He serves as bailiff in justice of the peace courts.

You might like to know: Texas radio celebrates its 78th birthday in the coming year.

In 1920, station WRR went on the air. It was owned by the city of Dallas.

Texas got its second station when WFAA, also in Dallas, begin broadcasting in 1922. It became the first station to join a network when it became a National Broadcasting Company affiliate in 1927.

Fort Worth came in with the first television station when WBAP-TV began telecasting in 1948.

1997, Jack MaguireSend a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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