The Different Food Traditions of New Years Day

Ham is often a holiday centerpiece, but pork is specifically thought to bring good luck on New Year’s Day. So why is pork a New Year’s food tradition?

First, it has to do with the way pigs behave differently than other animals. According to some theorists, while chickens and turkeys scratch backward, a pig buries his snout into the ground and moves forward—in the same direction you want to head in the new year. Another reason is logistics: Pigs are traditionally slaughtered in late fall, which makes pork an ideal choice to set aside for celebrating the new year. Finally, pork (and cabbage) eaten on New Year’s is a German and Eastern European tradition brought to America by early settlers. Start your new year off right with these Barbecue Pork Sandwiches With Crunchy Coleslaw.

Rice is a staple of New Year’s celebrations in Asia—and in the South, where it’s paired with red beans for Hoppin’ John, which is served on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day to bring prosperity and luck. It’s associated with prosperity and good luck, and in India, it’s believed it can take away bad omens. You could try a simple red beans and rice recipe, or serve it up Asian style with a chicken congee.

Fish is another common dish on plates around the world on New Year’s—especially in cultures close to water. For example, in Scandinavian countries, herring was considered a harbinger of good fortune, especially as the silver-scaled fish called to mind valuable money. Herring, heavily traded, was also essential to the country’s prosperity. Eating herring was a way to hope for a good catch in the months to come because herring had unpredictable migration patterns, and a good year didn’t necessarily indicate the next year would be as successful. Today, herring still symbolizes good fortune, making it an excellent option for a New Year’s appetizer.

In China, Japan, and many other Asian countries, it’s customary to serve and eat noodles on New Year’s Day. Their length symbolizes longevity—so make sure not to break or shorten the noodles during the cooking process. Serve soba noodles, udon, sesame stir-fried noodles, or try this delicious recipe for Spicy Coconut Noodles.

In Filipino culture, New Year’s Eve is traditionally celebrated with 12 types of fruit. They choose 12 specifically to symbolize each month. Filipinos tend to prefer round fruits, but  mangoes  and watermelon  also make the cut. In Mexico, grapes are eaten at midnight to symbolize the year ahead. In China and other Asian countries, oranges are prized for their round shape and gold-like hue as a representation of good fortune. Throughout the world, pomegranates, a symbol of fertility and birth, are eaten at the new year. A jewel-toned slice of Pomegranate-Almond Toast is an easy and delicious way to start the New Year on the right foot.

Dumplings are a pan-culture holiday favorite, with every country having their own take on it. Dumplings are a big part of Lunar New Year celebrations, as their shape resembles money bags. You’re encouraged to eat plenty of dumplings, to help bring you wealth and good fortune in the New Year.

Arsenal 0 West Ham United 2

West Ham stunned Arsenal to record a third successive Premier League victory, denting the Gunners’ title challenge in the process. It was a ruthless display by West Ham, who converted two of their three shots on target, while Arsenal squandered a host of opportunities as they missed the chance to move top of the league. Tomas Soucek fired in Jarrod Bowen’s cutback and, while the ball had potentially gone out of play in the build-up, there was not enough evidence for the video assistant referee to overturn the goal. That gave West Ham a first-half lead which was doubled when former Arsenal centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos expertly headed in a corner in the 55th minute. Despite plenty of possession and pressure, Arsenal could not find a response.

And their woeful night was nearly made worse when Declan Rice gave away a penalty in the final minute of injury time, but Said Benrahma’s effort was saved by David Raya. The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s Gunners second in the table, two points behind league leaders Liverpool, while West Ham end the year with 33 points – their highest total at the halfway stage in a Premier League campaign. Arsenal’s undoing was their inability to convert dominance and possession into goals. As the match wore on, their failure to capitalise only led to frustration – not only on the pitch but also in the stands, as fans grew weary and the atmosphere drained at Emirates Stadium.

Opportunities were spurned as Bukayo Saka struck the post in the first half, Gabriel Martinelli fired wide and Gabriel Jesus headed high. Ex-West Ham captain Rice later fizzed an effort over the bar, before Hammers goalkeeper Alphonse Areola denied Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard. It was a stark contrast to West Ham’s fortunes and the visitors were able to brilliantly fend off countless attacks with selfless defending. Arsenal’s lack of ruthlessness could prove costly with five teams sitting within six points of each other at the top of the Premier League. There is little room for error.