According to recent research, hugs can make you live longer!

Given all the evidence, it’s more likely that, after getting hit by lightning thirteen consecutive times, you win the lottery every weekend than it is for you to be abducted by little green or grey men. Unless, of course, you put some effort into it: go and butter yourself up, then add salt, pepper and marjoram. The full recipe can be found in “How to Serve Man”.

Certain foods are considered to bring luck in the year ahead if eaten on New Year’s Day. Pork in particular is thought to be lucky in many different countries – including Italy, Germany and the US – because it is constantly moving forward whilst rooting in the ground. In America’s Southern States hog jowl is eaten!