Friday, December 31, 2010

Eating Lucky In The New Year

It's New Year's Eve and it;s time for celebrating .Its' the time for eating foods that will bring us luck in the new year. Many of us have cultural as well as personal superstitions or beliefs.They can range from sugary to savory.



The Germans have thier own fish influenced way of bringing in a brand new year. It's customary to eat herring for good luck and prosperity. There's nothing like a bite of the fish to ring in good times and hopefulness. Hopping John or black eyes peas are what they eat in the South, their origin coming from Africa. The Scots have the ever yummy haggis which is oatmeal and offal inside a sheep's gut. (seriously) It;'s usually not just eaten tonight but uring th e entire month though.

New year;s food traditions also have a sweet side. The Jews start Rosh Shannah off by eating something sweet to ensure a sweet year and some carry it into the Christian year as well. The Spanish start off the New Year's countdown with twelve grapes each representing a sweet new year and for the twelve stroke son the clock. Greek people bake a cake in which a ring is hidden. If it's found then that person receives good luck for the next year.

Food and tradition will always go together. It's no more evident tonight on New Year's Eve. Ring it in with a your favorite or cultural dishes. They may just bring you luck.