Today I’ve been practicing the art of the house warming blessing. I have a new neighbour moving in today and never one to pass up a folklore opportunity, I left them a small, socially distanced gift first thing. Three to be precise.
Before today, my only touchstone for house warming blessings was It’s a Wonderful Life, although I do have a vague memory of somebody giving my Mum some salt on one of our many house moves.
Ever wary of gluten free teetotallers, rather than leaving vino and a bap, I looked up a few alternatives, and landed on a candle and a coin. So now my new neighbour has salt so their life may always have flavour, a candle so their home may always be full of light, and an Australian dime so they may always dwell in good fortune.
I also left them a note saying that if they’re ever beset by witches, I have something for that too. They’ve not introduced themselves yet. I can’t think why.
Resources
https://www.vanillareindeer.com/blog/32/traditional-housewarming-gifts
