Along with the new year comes old age traditions. The most asked question as we come closer into the new year is, "What's your New Year's Resolution?". Some of us have things planned that we vow to stick to, while others haven't even thought about it. However, in this post we would like to focus on fun food traditions and their meanings. Are there any unique ones that your family does? Do you know any that have been passed down through family traditions? After you read this, you might want to whip out those kitchen utensils to start preparing these delicious "lucky" foods.
What To Eat
Grapes: In Spain, they eat 12 grapes at midnight. Each grape represents the 12 months in a year. Even their taste signifies how that month may be within the year. For example, you take a bite out of the 4th grape and it's sweet, therefore, April will be a sweet month for you. However, if the 9th grape seems to be a bit sour, September may be a bit of a rocky month. This tradition has been around for a little over a century, or so it seems. Just a little fun tradition that may help us predict how each month may be.
Everyone's Favorite, Greens: Cooked greens, such as cabbage, collards, kale and chard are cooked in various countries on New Year's Day for pretty much the same reason. They're green, which signifies the color of money. Basically, the more greens you consume will represent how prosperous you will be in the upcoming year. So get to eating those greens!
Legumes: Beans, peas and lentils are a great way to start the new year. These also signify wealth and prosperity. It is said that their smaller seed like appearances represents coins. Each country makes this dish differently. Italians cook legumes with sausage and consumes it right after midnight.
Germans normally eat pork and lentils together, making a soup out of it. Brazil consumes this as their first meal. While, in the United States, black-eyed peas are served in a dish called "hoppin' john". Plus, combining legumes and greens together, you'll have a prosperous year!
Pork: It is said that the pig represents progress. This coming from how they eat. Pigs root for food, while keeping their feet planted while pushing their snouts forward. Some countries roast their pigs, cook pig's feet or make sausages. Each symbolizing prosperity.
Fish: The fish is said to represent a couple of meanings in various countries. Some say that fish represents moving forward since they swim forward. While others say the fish represents abundance since they swim in schools. Some countries go all out with fish, their kitchen table is filled full of a variety of fish dishes. People eat fish because of it's preservation like cod or carp. Which Germans place a carp scale into their wallet to bring good luck. In Japan, hering roe is consumed for fertility, shrimp for long life and sardines for a good harvest. Various traditions all over the world!
Cakes and Breads: Eating round shaped breads or pastries is a common tradition throughout the world. Breads are baked with delicious fruits or some serve pastries, such as doughnuts or round shaped desserts. In some cultures, they bake a special item into their bread or pastry. Some do coins, which represents good luck.
While most cakes and breads being round, some cultures don't share in the round shaped tradition. In Scotland, they celebrate a New Year tradition that is called, "first footing". This tradition is said that the first person to walk through the home represents what type of year you will share in. People can bring coal to symbolize keeping the house warm, while others bring baked goods that represents a pantry full of food.
Citrus & Pomegranates: Pomegranates can represent abundance and fertility, while citrus represents prosperity. Some consume these items, while others just set them out on their table to represent their meanings.
What NOT To Eat
Of course, there are foods that you shouldn't eat on New Year's Day. Lobster may be something you want to steer clear of, at least until after New Year's Day. Lobsters move backwards, therefore defeating the purpose of moving forward. Chickens scratch backwards, again not moving forward. Winged birds are to be avoided since they fly away. So along with what to eat, there's always something not to eat. Something else to avoid? Finishing what's left on your plate. Beginning with food on the table at midnight and leaving a little on your plate is said to be good luck.
So start your New Year off with luck with these yummy New Year's Day traditions! Load up on all the tasty food, while avoiding the not so good ones. You'll start your new year off with good fortune, prosperity and wealth. That is, if you are superstitious.
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