2007 trickled in damply, but in good company at Anna MR’s time-honoured New Year’s party, complete with traditional Finnish tin magic.For the uninitiated, here's Tin Magic 101. Step one: Melt the tin (actually ninety per cent lead!) horseshoes in a special ladle on the stove.
Step two: Once the tin is completely liquid, throw the tin into a bucket of snow. Water will do if there isn’t any. At the crucial moment, everyone has to close their eyes, turn away and shout out the person's name. Collect your tin from the bucket, or peel it off the floor if you happen to miss the bucket. Step three: When everyone has their tin shapes, the fortune teller of the evening uses a candle to cast shadows of the tin onto a wall from various angles. Interpret the shapes to predict your fortune for the year.
Mine resembled a castle on a hill and various things acquatic. Anna MR’s looked remarkably like an old man sitting on a bench. So, tell your fortune from that!
3 comments:
What a great idea for a party! Aren't the lead fumes a bit toxic though?
Happy New Year to you, by the way, and I hope 2007 proves to be one of the best years you've ever had!
I've never really thought about that – probably! However, with all the fermented grape products consumed that night, I doubt the lead fumes were the worst toxic offenders...
I am wondering if I can use pictures from this posting for my article.
Currently I am writing about how Finnish people celebrate new year. I will write your name or blog address under the picture if I am allowed to use it.
The newspaper I am contributing to is www.ohmynews.com (South Korean web-based newspaper).
My email address is radahh@gmail.com. You can contact me if you want.
I will wait for your answer.
Thank you
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