February is the border between winter and spring. February 2021 is another month probably taking us a step further from the pandemic.
In Greece on the first day of each month we usually say “ Have a good month” ( kalo mina) and it is a genuine wish signifying the start of something more hopeful, positive and adventurous.
In the UK people normally use different phrases that will probably bring luck and are quite amusing I would say. The most popular ones are “pinch punch” on the first of the month and “white rabbits” which should follow immediately after. When I frequently use them, my students become instinctively vigilant and the first question is “what does this mean?” or “Where on earth does this come from”?
Both of the phrases are linked to superstitions dated back as far as the medieval times and they supposedly shield us from the unknown, dark and supernatural powers that cause fear and distress.
The phrase “Pinch Punch” is mostly associated to two possible theories. The first one comes from the Old England times during which people believed in the existence of witches. “Pinch” refers to salt, the very common ingredient we daily use, and it was considered to weaken the witches evil powers when thrown at them. The second part of the phrase “punch” was to exile the witch permanently.
Another dominant explanation of the phrase is associated with the American President George Washington in the 1700s. He was allegedly meeting with the local Native American tribes on the first day of each month and he would bring in a fruit punch with a pinch of salt. That became a ritual and it lasted through time.
What about the phrase “White Rabbits”? In 1909, there was a long-running scholarly journal that published short articles related to English Literature. In these articles, children were using some playground rules when playing. They were saying “white rabbits, no returns” immediately after performing their pinch and punch making sure they can’t be pinched back.
In any case, giving such wishes on the first of each month is a pleasant ritual that, for me at least, is denoting a fresh start for new things to come or old habits to be abolished. And why not? Setting new challenges, new standards, new expectations.
Personally, saying pinch punch to myself means good luck to my new project that will be “on air” real soon; My professional website targeting to become a dynamic form of communication with you, everyone that aspires to experience the language beyond words and phrases; as another way to think about things. What are your “pinch punch” challenges for this month?
Sources
www.countryliving.com
www.wikipedia.org
www.urbandictionay.com
www.inews.co.uk