Some countries have already rung in the New Year. Happy New Year to them. The only tradition we have is eating Chinese and playing board games on New Year’s Eve. The next day we might have a big meal or just eat left overs.
Around the world, there are many traditions for the night before and the day after. Of course, most traditions includes eating some sort of food for luck, good health or prosperity. In Spain, they eat 12 grapes at midnight. Each time the bell tolls they eat a grape which represents a month in the new year. How the month will turn out will depend on if the grape is sweet or sour. Maybe you can give it a try with your family tonight. Here are some other foods eaten around the world, that might be traditional in your family or you could start.
In Italy they eat lentils, because they look like mini coins. In the Southern US, they eat black eyed peas and collard greens for New Year’s Day, because it looks like money.
Click here on Jennifer’s Kitchen for the recipe and directions.
In Germany the pig is considered good luck. Because the pig is always moving forward and never backwards. This will help represent progress in the new year. Click here on Columbus Foodie for the recipe and direction.
This lovely cake baked in Greece is eaten on New Year’s Eve and has a hidden coin inside of it. The person that has the coin in their piece will be considered blessed for the New Year. Click here on Seemingly Greek for the recipe and meaning of the cake.
Best wishes for a safe and Happy New Year to all.
Thanks for posting! I was invited to a Chinese New Year party a few months ago. It was supposed to be some kind of potluck, and the host was upset that I didn’t bring a dish. I don’t want to make the same mistake next year since I’m friends with the family, so I want to know what dishes I should make. The information about why long noodles are eaten during the new year is really interesting. It makes sense that they signify longevity because of how long they are. Now I can see why the host didn’t give me a fork or knife for me to use to cut my noodles. If I cut them, then it would probably signify that I were cutting away at my lifeline. I’ll be sure to avoid cutting the noodles during next year’s Chinese New Year.