As the New Year approaches tomorrow, I’d like to explore some traditional dishes eaten on New Year’s around the world.
Photo Courtesy of: Norio NAKAYAMA
New Year’s Traditional Cuisine Around the World
Germany: Donuts filled with jam or jelly are eaten. Sometimes, the donuts are filled with mustard as a practical joke.
Belarus: On New Year’s day, unmarried women play a game involving corn and a rooster. Corn is piled onto a plate and placed in front of each women. Whichever plate of corn the rooster eats first will decide which of the women will be married first within the New Year.
Japan: “Year crossing noodles” (buckwheat noodles) are eaten at the stroke of midnight.
Europe: Any food made into the shape of a ring is eaten to symbolize coming full circle and renewal.
Russia: Olivier Salad. A cake made of ham, peas, carrots and egg is used to soak up alcohol from a night of drinking.
Photo Courtesy of: Jay Bergesen
Argentina: Beans are eaten to help with job security.
Estonia: On New Year’s, 12 meals are eaten, each representing how strong the person will be in the coming year. Believers leave part of each plate for spirits of the ancestors to eat later that night.
What are you planning to eat on New Year’s? Do you have any food traditions?
Elizabeth Adan is a Freelance Writer, Publicist and Brand Ambassador. Her blog Aquaberry Bliss is a unique food and travel blog dedicated to expanding your world and inspiring your creativity. When Elizabeth isn’t traveling, you’ll find her writing, hiking or gardening. Find Elizabeth on Twitter @stillaporcupine and on LinkedIn.
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