Believe it or not, there are actually food traditions for New Years... and some of them are pretty bizarre. But in case you'd like to try your luck this year, here they are for you to learn about and serve up !

Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens:

This is a southern United States tradition. Eating black eyed peas and collard greens on the New Year is thought to bring wealth and prosperity. Although nobody seems to be entirely sure why this is the case, it is assumed to be because the peas look like coins and the greens resemble folded money. 

12 Grapes:

This tradition started in Spain, supposedly by grape companies. The tradition is, to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. It has since become a superstition to spaniards, and it is believed that if you do not eat the grapes then you will have bad luck in the new year. 

Sauerkraut and Pork:

This one is a little more detailed and a more thought out tradition. It originated in Germany, and is observed by a lot Pennsylvanians and other New Englanders still. The sauerkraut is thought to bring prosperity, as before the New Years meal, friends and family wish each other as much wealth and prosperity as there is cabbage shreds in the sauerkraut.

The pork, is due to a pigs inability to look backwards. It is a symbol for moving forward into the new year and not looking back. With that being said, it is thought to be bad luck to eat chicken, due to their nature of scratching their talons backwards.

 

Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Years ! Let us know if you partake in any of these unique traditions !

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