No matter what your heritage is, if you’re looking to move in Montecito, Hope Ranch, or any of Santa Barbara's upscale communities, please call at (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. I’ll happily add your listing to my portfolio of fine homes in the area and find a new dream home for your family where you can celebrate with one of the above housewarming traditions. Or, create your own unique ritual!
People from all over the world mark the act of moving into a new home in unique ways, with housewarming traditions. Many of these rituals are purported to bring good luck to the house and its inhabitants. Others serve as inspiration for the new owner's future.
Whatever the reasons, moving to a new home is the perfect time to celebrate with family and friends. So here are some unique housewarming ideas Montecito homeowners can embrace:

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1. Light A Candle on Your First Night
In many religions, lighting a candle and saying a prayer on your first night in your new home will help ward off evil spirits. Lighting a candle is also a way to bless your new home by bringing light into the dark. In medieval times, housewarming traditions included burning fire in the fireplace to symbolize strength and purity.
2. Bread & Salt
This tradition is believed to have Russian Jewish origins. A gift of bread will ensure the new residents of the home won't go hungry. Bringing salt symbolizes a life full of flavor. Both represent significant symbols — salt was once so valuable it was used as currency. Giving salt to a new homeowner is an important sign of hospitality and wealth.

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3. Ring A Bell
If you practice feng shui, then you'll want to ring a Tibetan space clearing bell the night you move into your new home. This simple practice is believed to clear each room of stagnant or dying chi. Feng shui also suggests homeowners open windows, turn on fans, and let in the sunlight in to welcome auspicious good feng shui chi.
4. Tie A Holy Thread
Buddhists have many housewarming rituals believed to bring good luck and blessings. In Thai culture, one tradition includes tying "Sai Seen," holy thread or string, around the wrists of family members as well as the home's statue of Buddha.

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5. Burn Sage
This practice is thought to be derived from Native American traditions. Burning dried sage, called sage smudging, is a traditional method of clearing out negative energy. Clean the energy of the entire house by directing sage smoke into the corners of every room. Burning sage will add protection from negativity. Aboriginals also encourage homeowners to cover up mirrors and windows on their first night and turn off electronics when performing a sage smudging ceremony.
6. Prepare A Housewarming Meal
If you hail from a French-speaking country, your ancestors knew that changing the chimney hook (pendaison de crémaillère) signified the start of the housewarming thank-you meal. Everyone who helped build the house would enjoy the first meal prepared in a cooking pot that hung over the fire from a hook inside the chimney.