Housewarming Traditions Around the World infographic documents the various traditions that take place in different locations to welcome someone into a new house.
Commissioned for MyMove, the chart was completed by Column Five Media and gives a brief history lesson on the origins of providing a present to a new homeowner. According to the graphic, the first housewarming gifts were firewood which was given to literally warm up a new house.
Some of the more traditional presents include salt (so life will always have flavor,) bread (so the owners will never go hungry) and brooms (to sweep away evil.)
Other more bizarre traditions see people giving various types of fowl, including blue birds (for good luck) and roosters (to ward away trespassers.) Though the symbolism behind these gifts is well-meaning enough, it is probably safe to say that most people would prefer a bottle of wine or cheese platter upon moving in somewhere new.
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