The holidays are often full of food traditions, whether it’s Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas cookies. When it comes down to it, though, New Year’s food traditions are often overlooked beyond the champagne toast at midnight and the resolutions that we will make and, more likely than not, fail at. Luckily, many cultures have plenty of food traditions and superstitions that can easily be implemented into NYE celebrations and brunch the day of. Even though It’s hard to believe there are only a few weeks left in 2024, it’s time to embrace a little superstition and try these New Year’s food traditions to help keep your resolutions intact and set you off on the right foot going into 2025 – you can thank me later.
The 12 Grapes
This Spanish tradition is commonly practiced in Spain and Latin American countries, and has recently become widespread in the U.S. as users share their traditions via social media. According to the custom, you are supposed to eat 12 grapes under a table for each chime of the clock at midnight (to symbolize the 12 months of the year) for good luck. I wonder if it still counts if I add Tajin to the grapes for some extra oomph?
Black-Eyed Peas and Greens
In the southern United States, you’ll notice that black-eyed peas and collard greens are served as a New Year’s Day special. The peas symbolize luck, while the collard greens represent money and prosperity. Plus, the dish is often served with cornbread to represent gold.
#SpoonTip: If you don’t like collard greens, any sort of green vegetables will work.
Pork
Another Southern tradition is to eat pork on December 31. Pork is believed to be a sign of progress and prosperity because pigs root for food when looking forward. This tradition was introduced to the U.S. by German immigrants in the 18th century. Unlike green veggies, which have some flexibility, it’s crucial to stick to pork over poultry because any winged fowl, like chicken, duck, or turkey, is believed to cause your good luck to “fly away” with your meal.
Marzipan Pigs
If you are tempted to eat chicken or turkey because you don’t like pork; there’s still a way to get in on this tradition: sugar! In Germany and Austria, small marzipan pig-shaped treats are often gifted for good luck and progress.
Fish
Not a fan of meat? Luckily, I’ve got my pescatarians covered. Fish represents good fortune, abundance, and prosperity because its scales resemble coins, it often swims in schools, and its swimming motion only being forward means progress. Some cultures eat herring or sardines in particular.
#SpoonTip: Do not eat shellfish like shrimp, crab, or lobsters in lieu of fish. Because these crustaceans move sideways and not forward, this can bring you setbacks throughout the year. We are NOT allowing bottom-feeder behavior in 2025!
Dumplings
As fish scales represent coins, dumplings are shaped like gold ingots, which were the currency of ancient China; some will say that they are shaped like money bags. Nonetheless, dumplings are said to bring wealth, prosperity, and luck (Remember: no poultry).
Sauerkraut
You either hate it or you love it. A German custom, sauerkraut is supposed to bring wealth and the more you eat, the bigger your wealth. I am not a fan, but I might have to suck it up and have a bowl large enough to cover my spring tuition.
Tamales
In Mexican households, tamales are a common main course on New Year’s Day to celebrate familial bonds. Tamales are a labor of love, and oftentimes, the entire family spends the days leading up to the new year preparing tamales together.
Lentils
You’ve heard of the Feast of Seven Fishes, but have you heard of the Italian staple for New Year’s? Lentils, of course, are round and represent wealth. In the times of the Romans, families would gift bags of lentils to loved ones with the hope that they would turn into gold coins.
Champagne
This New Year’s tradition is pretty universal, and it absolutely checks out: sparkling wine is delicious. Having a glass of champagne (or Martinelli’s sparkling cider if you aren’t drinking) as the clock strikes midnight represents celebration and hope for the future.
Though the entire round-up may make for an odd menu, you will probably find me eating all of these dishes this upcoming New Year’s Eve and Day and if you do: mind your business and enjoy your grapes and sauerkraut.