Interviewer: What is something you do for good luck?

MK: Well, whenever you see a new moon, you must take a large banknote and show it to the moon. I was taught this by my grandpa when I was younger, and it’s supposed to bring good luck for the following month.

Interviewer: How exactly do you show money to the moon?

MK: Well, you take the note out of your wallet, unfold it, and tell the new moon to bring you wealth and prosperity in the following month. 

Interviewer: Has this practice brought you good luck in the past? 

MK: Well, I don’t know if I fully believe it, but it can’t hurt to try, I suppose. 

Context:

The informant is my grandfather, and the conversation was recorded during a walk in the park. He currently lives in Georgia, where he grew up. He is a secular person and does not allow many superstitions for himself but continues to perform small rituals such as this one that he inherited from his family. 

analysis:

This is an example of folk belief meant to bring good luck. The new moon is a marker for a transitional period. Prosperity-oriented traditions often are performed during transitional periods to break a pattern. The moon functions as a symbolic force that connects lunar cycles to economic cycles. This practice can additionally be read as sympathetic magic. The idea of “like produces like” is apparent. Showing money to the new moon will attract more money in the following month.