new home gift ideas

19 years ago

I remember an old tradition of bring a new broom, bottle of wine, bread, and salt to a new home. Perhaps other items also were included. Does anyone know what the items are and the meaning of each item.

also ideas on how to present them.

Thanks

Betty

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Comments (8)

Glitter53
19 years ago
The broom is to sweep the threshold of the new home to clean out any remnants of former owners, the wine (mead, or honey in some cultures) was to introduce celebrations into the home (ie: children ;-), the bread, that the couple would be able to provide for themselves, and the salt to flavour their lives together.
I also heard of burying a closed safety pin either in the ground before the main entrance (or where most people would enter), or attaching it under the entrance carpet to keep 'prickly' people, gossips, bad news, etc from entering their home.
Hope that helps....BTW: if an old broom has been left behind by the former owners, it must be disposed of.;-)
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BettyGem
Original Author
19 years ago
Glitter
you are an angel thanks for coming to the rescue
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Glitter53
19 years ago
Happy to help! ;-D
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teeboxer
19 years ago
This is such a great idea. What if it is a newly built home? I guess there would be no broom to sweep "old" out. Any traditions around gift giving for a newly built home?? Would love to pass it on to a friend who just moved in to her newly built home. Thanks!
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BettyGem
Original Author
19 years ago
Hi teeboxer
The broom is for ANY home - newly built or an old home.....

see the reasons for the items I have included in my gift basket ....

Decorative Broom Sweep away the evil; Your house will always be clean
Salt Represents life's tears; - Mend all wounds
Bread You will never go hungry
Candle You will always have light
Honey Represents the sweetness of life
Wine Never go thirsty - Your home brings you happiness and joy
Olive Oil Health, Light
A Coin to bring good fortune for the year
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westbrook
19 years ago
Wind chimes hung on or near the house frighten away evil spirits ... old chinese custom
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teeboxer
19 years ago
Thanks for all the great ideas and for the "Hi", Gem!
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User
19 years ago
It's supposed to be a traditional blessing of sorts - the bread symbolizes the wish that the homeowner will never be hungry. The salt represents the difficulties of life and the wine expresses a wish for good health, good cheer and many friends.

An alternate but similar interpretation is bread represents natureÂs bounty, salt is a necessity of life, and wine represents prosperity.

I give new homeowners a potted flower for their yard, too.
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new home gift ideas

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new home gift ideas

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