Here’s why we eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day
We Pennsylvanians know that on New Year’s Day, we are obligated to eat pork and sauerkraut.
But why?
Yes, it’s a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition that we all follow, but it’s important to know its history. (It’s also fun.)
So here’s why we eat pork and sauerkraut as well as other good-luck foods.
Dutch tradition
Like many other cultures, the Pennsylvania Dutch believe eating pork on New Year’s Day brings good luck because pigs root around with their snouts in a forward motion. After all, we want to move forward, not backward, in the new year.
Sauerkraut is made from cabbage — a symbol of money because it’s leafy and green.
Other good luck foods to eat
If you don’t eat pork or care for sauerkraut, you have other options to bring you luck in 2023.
Among them are:
Lentils: Many cultures usher in good luck by making dishes with lentils because they resemble coins (and we all could use more of those.) Lentils also happen to be delicious and good for you and a great pork-alternative for vegetarians.
Greens: Dark leafy greens (collard greens, spinach, kale, etc.) resemble money (plus they are good for you and can fit into any New Year’s resolution to eat more healthy.)
Cornbread: Not only it is really tasty, but it resembles gold.
Ring-shaped cakes: They are considered lucky because they are symbols of coming full circle. Wide interpretation of this one is acceptable. (Even doughnuts, because why not?)
Noodles: A tradition in many Asian countries, eating noodles on New
Year’s Day ensures long life.
Wait until Jan. 2 for these foods
Unless you want to tempt fate, you should avoid eating any of the following foods because they are thought to bring bad luck on New Year’s Day.
Beef and poultry: Think
of why we eat pork: It’s because they root around, moving forward. Cows eat standing still (which is what will happen to you if you eat beef ). Even worse, chickens and turkeys scratch backwards and that’s nothing you want in ’23.
Shellfish: Lobsters and crabs swim backward and sideways and, as you are
probably sensing a theme here, you want to eat only foods that move you forward. (Most fish swim forward, but skip catfish as they are bottom dwellers).
No white foods: In Chinese culture, all-white foods — eggs, white cheese, tofu — are unlucky on New Year’s Day because white is thought to symbolize death.