The informant and her family wear “silly hats” every Christmas for good luck during the new year – “the sillier the better.” This tradition has lasted for as long as she can remember; she estimates around 20 years.

Context: The informant is a college student who grew up in San Diego, CA.

Interpretation: These silly hats combine Christmas tradition with a common philosophy associated with new year celebrations, that doing certain things will bring one good luck in the next year. While the informant doesn’t know the exact origin of this family tradition, it seems likely that it started more for fun, and assumed the identity of a good luck ritual as it was repeated over time.