Pouring lead is a popular custom on New Year’s Eve. Molten lead is poured into cold water to divine the future. This custom has been popular for a long time and is still celebrated in many families today.
The history of lead casting begins in the 15th century. It was associated with Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of letterpress printing. At that time, surplus lead was used to create random figures.
Over time, lead casting became a popular New Year’s Eve custom. It spread throughout the West and East, even as far as China.
When casting lead, the figures are interpreted to give a glimpse into the future. Interpreting the shapes is often difficult and requires imagination. Despite earlier criticism by church experts, the custom has survived.
Due to the harmful effects of lead, alternatives have been recommended since 2018. Pewter or candle wax are popular options. Pouring wax with leftover candles is a particularly safe and popular option.
Important findings
- Lead casting has its origins in the 15th century and is associated with Gutenberg’s printing press
- The custom has become a popular New Year’s Eve ritual to predict the future
- Since 2018, it has been recommended to switch to alternatives such as tin or wax due to health concerns
- Casting wax with leftover candles has established itself as a safe alternative with the same symbolism
- The interpretation of the figures requires imagination and should not be taken too seriously
The history of lead casting as a New Year’s Eve custom
Pouring lead has been a popular New Year’s Eve custom for centuries. Its history dates back to the 15th century. At that time, Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized letterpress printing.
Gutenberg’s employees took leftover lead home. They cast random figures from them, which they then interpreted. This is how the New Year’s Eve tradition of lead casting began.
From letterpress printing to the New Year’s Eve tradition
Over time, lead casting became an important part of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Originally, people used leftover lead from Gutenberg’s printing press. Later, special lead casting sets were added.
Today, lead casting is very popular in many countries. It is a way of welcoming the New Year. Many different shapes are created, which are supposed to indicate the future.
Modern alternatives to traditional lead casting
Over time, new materials have emerged due to health and environmental concerns. Pure tin and wax have become popular. They make lead casting safer and more environmentally friendly.
Lead casting remains an exciting custom. It brings people together on New Year’s Eve. From its beginnings in the 15th century to the present day, it has fascinated young and old alike.
The significance of lead casting on New Year’s Eve
Pouring lead is a popular custom on New Year’s Eve. It is said to give an insight into the future. In Germany, around 37% of people use this method.
The shapes that are created during casting are said to provide information about luck and wealth in the coming year.
A glimpse into the future through oracle custom
The custom of lead casting is deeply rooted in New Year’s Eve. Unique figures are created by heating and casting lead. These are then interpreted symbolically.
Interpretation of the lead and wax figures created
The interpretation of the figures is an important part of the custom. Each form has a specific meaning. They provide insights into different areas of life.
Lead casting is very popular in Germany. However, it is less common in Austria and Switzerland. Wax casting is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to lead casting. It is more environmentally friendly and offers an alternative for predicting the future.
Lead casting meaning: how the oracle works
Lead casting is a popular custom on New Year’s Eve. Molten lead was poured into cold water to divine the future. This tradition has been known for centuries and is still practiced today. However, since 2018 there have been new EU directives that limit the lead content in products to 0.05 percent.
Required utensils and preparation
You need a few things for lead casting:
- Lead casting set or pure lead
- Spoon for melting the lead
- Candle or tea light
- Fireproof base
- Bowl with cold water
Traditional lead casting sets often contained too much lead. Since 2018, products may only contain 0.05 percent lead. Therefore, use lead-free alternatives such as wax or tin.
Step-by-step guide to lead casting
- Melt the lead or wax carefully over the candle flame in the spoon. Be very careful to avoid burning yourself.
- Hold the spoon about 20-30 cm above the bowl of cold water.
- Pour the melted lead or wax into the water with a flourish. It should make a hissing sound.
- Wait until the resulting figure has solidified and carefully remove it from the water.
- Interpret the figure using its shape and symbols to get a glimpse of the future.
| Figure | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Anchor | Support and security in stormy times |
| apple | Test of trust in close relationships |
| Dragon | Conflicts with influential people |
| Pisces | Impending financial prosperity |
Pouring lead is just a bit of fun on New Year’s Eve. The interpretations are not always true. Enjoy the fun, but don’t rely too much on the oracle. Use your own wits and judgment when making important decisions.
Wax pouring as a healthier alternative to lead pouring
Lead casting has been banned since 2018. Many are looking for a safe alternative. Wax casting is an environmentally friendly and healthy option. It remains exciting to see what you can make from the wax.
Reasons for the ban on lead casting sets since 2018
The BfR warned against lead. It can impair children’s intelligence and attention. Lead vapors can also irritate the respiratory tract and trigger allergies.
Instructions for pouring wax with leftover candles
You need candle scraps, a spoon and a bowl of water. Heat the candle scraps until the wax flows. Then pour it into cold water and wait until it solidifies. You can then interpret the figures.
| Utensils for casting wax | Traditional lead casting | Modern alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Candle scraps | Lead | wax |
| Spoon | Lead casting spoon | Normal spoon |
| Refractory bowl with cold water | Special lead casting mold | Bowl with water |
If you don’t have any leftover candles, you can buy wax casting kits in shops. These sets contain colored wax and an interpretation aid. So you can look to the future in an environmentally conscious way.
The 24 most important symbols and their interpretation
In traditional lead casting on New Year’s Eve, various figures are created by pouring molten metal into cold water. Each figure has its own meaning. Here are the 24 most common lead casting symbols and their meanings:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Anchor | Help and support in difficult times |
| ball | Luck and success in the future |
| Bee | Diligence and success at work |
| Leaf | Self-confidence and personal growth |
| Flower | Love and romance |
| Glasses | Wisdom and clarity in decisions |
| Triangle | Financial stability and prosperity |
| Pisces | Wealth and abundance, but also rumors |
| Heart | Love and deep affection |
| The Cross | Difficulties and challenges |
| Ship | Travel and new experiences |
| Eagle | Success and career advancement |
| Tear/drop | Sadness, but also overcoming difficult times |
| Guitar | Secret longings and wishes |
| Hand | True friendship and solidarity |
| Pig | Happiness and prosperity in the new year |
| Mouse | Secret love and affection |
Other symbols used in lead casting are whale, dolphin, dragon, seahorse, snail, swan, rabbit, octopus, duck, lizard, cobra, dog, bird and dinosaur. Each has its own meaning.
Many people pour lead on New Year’s Eve to get a glimpse of the future. However, due to health risks from toxic fumes when lead is heated, pure lead casting sets have been banned in the EU since 2018. Non-toxic alternatives include pewter casting, wax casting or even dough casting with pancake batter.
Other alternatives to traditional lead casting
There are exciting alternatives to wax casting to see the future. Pewter casting is one of them. Tin is safer than lead because it melts faster and is non-toxic. You can buy pewter casting kits for around €10, which contain everything you need.
If you don’t like heating metals, there are digital apps. They simulate lead casting on your device. So you can look into the future from home without having to buy any utensils.
Pouring dough as an edible variant
Dough casting is a creative, edible method. Small pieces of dough are placed in hot fat and take on unusual shapes. They can then be interpreted, similar to pewter casting.
Dough casting is great for children because it is safe and creative. Whether it’s pewter casting, digital apps or dough casting, the meaning of the figures remains the same. It’s an exciting way to start the new year.
Conclusion
Lead casting is an old New Year’s Eve custom. It was once a way of looking into the future. But today, creative alternatives are more popular due to lead health risks.
You can now use wax or tin. These materials are safer than lead. There are even edible versions such as dough casting. For those who want convenience, there are apps for smartphones.
The fascination with lead casting remains. You can see symbols such as anchors or hearts. These symbols are supposed to be good signs for the New Year. In this way, the custom remains alive and accompanies us into the future.
FAQ
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