My Portuguese grandfather used to say don’t eat chicken on New Year’s Day or you will be scratching for money all year long. Thinking the new year is rapidly approaching and saying a big goodbye to a very scratchy old year; I have done some research into the food that will supposedly or hopefully bring prosperity.
Pork seems to the meat to eat because a pig moves forward so in theory you will move forward. A cow stands still so beef is not a great option unless you loved 2009 and want to stay there. Lobster is another no no because they move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks. I am guessing the same idea applies to crabs as they move sideways.
Many cultures believe in eating legumes such as black eye peas in the South of the USA and lentils and peas in Europe because they resemble coins. The Italians eat Cotechino con lenticchie which is a special winter sausage and lentils. I am not sure I can source Cotechino sausage so I am going to make a French version of sausage and lentils.
The other things that have been that are supposed to be fortuitous are cooked greens like cabbage, collards, kale and chard because they represent folded money. It is said that the more greens you eat they richer you will be. Boy, I wish I liked cooked greens. I am going to try to make some and eat at least a bit.
What are your New Year’s traditional foods? Do you each Udon noodles as the Japanese do to symbolize a long life? Or do you something special to you and your loved ones?
The Lean Times wishes all my lovely readers a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. X
That’s interesting! I think I’ll just go vegetarian on New Year’s Day. 😉
Happy New Year!
To make greens more palatable don’t cook in water. For Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage and Kale slice thinly with some onions and maybe a clove of Garlic or 2 and toss in some Olive Oil with maybe a bit of butter (for the flavour) for about 10 minutes with the lid on. Not only taste good, but does you good, too!
What does fish do for one on New Year’s day?