Each year, New Year's Eve brings by using it a flurry of pleasure over the thought of a new year of opportunities. There is something so refreshing at the thought of one year being in the past along with a new one being ushered in. As with anything that seems like this, meals are always most of that – and round the world, many country's celebrate the start of a new year using their own traditional dishes.
Some, such as the dishes eaten for Lunar New Year, are thought to become lucky while others are simply just traditional. Something is for sure, though: These sound delicious, and one could be happy to usher inside a new year with one of these dishes stacked high on the table!
Louisiana & Its King Cake
New Orleans, specifically, has always found a way to celebrate by bringing community and tradition together. This city is unbreakable and lots of of their customs reflect that, such as the beloved king cake that's often iconic around festival times such as Mardi Gras.
As opposed to eating this cake on New Year's Eve (not that anyone could be opposed to that, it's delicious!) this cake is ready in early January. The tradition actually dates back to old-world Europe and was eventually brought over the pond, where it became customary in New Orleans. According to Catholic tradition, the cake is usually eaten on January 6th, which is known as Epiphany, or the Twelfth Night.
What May be the King Cake?
King cake consists of a simple, sweet cake that's in the shape of a ring. During Carnival, a little plastic baby is usually hidden somewhere within the batter, and it is asserted whoever gets this slice has good luck. The lucky winner of the hidden-baby slice is crowned the 'king' or 'queen' for the day. While the within the cake is sweet, the outside is even sweeter since it's usually iced and dusted with purple, gold, and green sprinkles.
Mexico's Piping Hot Tamales
In Mexico, New Year's Eve is about traditions and family. This is how tamales became the centerpiece of numerous people's tables, and it's not only the eating that brings friends and family together. The entire process of making tamales isn't a simple one and frequently takes all day and that's why a sizable group is required – thus, New Year's Eve becomes an all-day, labor-intensive family event.
However, the building of the tamales usually starts at the begining of to mid-December and continues through the New Year. December 12th marks the Feast of Our Lady Guadalupe and January 6th marks Three Kings' Day; among, tamales is going to be prepared and eaten. Multiple generations of families are often involved with this steadfast tradition, which makes it much more special come New Year's.
- Fact: Tamales date all the way to 5000 B.C. and were created through the Mayans and the Aztecs. They were eventually delivered to the U.S. and sold by street vendors around the West Coast, according to history.com.
Spain's 12 Lucky Grapes
It may appear a bit unusual but Spain's tradition makes plenty of sense with regards to ringing in the Year. Rather than popping a bottle of champagne or diving right into a celebratory glass of wine, those who work in Spain prefer their grapes unfermented. It's a tradition vacation that when the clock strikes midnight, most people are to consume 12 grapes consecutively. This really is believed to represent the 12 chimes until 12 AM, which is meant to bring best of luck in the following year.
Additionally, the 12 grapes are said to represent the next Twelve months, as well. According to history.com, this tradition began completely back in 1880 and has continued to be a fun tradition even today.
- Fact: It's also said that if an individual does not eat all 12 grapes – or skips one out of between – then it means bad luck for one from the months in the following year in the future.
Eastern Europe's Pickled Herring
Pickled herring might not sound attractive to everyone but it's a fairly common dish in Eastern European countries. In the countries of Germanic, Polish, and Scandanavian descent, specifically, this dish is really a solid tradition on New Year's Eve and through the holidays. The dish has even been seen in Dutch and Northern Countries in europe, too, thanks to all that it symbolizes.
The fish is silver colored which is said to represent fertility, bounty, and longevity, with silver representing a great fortune in the New Year. Instead of counting as an entire meal, this small snack will often be served as part of a platter or a main meal on New Year's Eve.
