Pork and sauerkraut on new years day?

Question

Where did this tradition start and what is it supposed to bring?

Answer 1

My Slovak family always has pork and sauerkraut for new years day- usually my grandfather makes it. It doesn't matter what kind of pork- hot dogs, pork roast, pork roll- just has to be with sauerkraut.

I was told it is for good luck for the new year. I've always been afraid of jinxing myself, so I've always had it- a bit superstitious, so why mess with chance, ya know?

Answer 2

Pork and Sauerkraut!!!!!!!!I' am getting flash backs! I can't get that here.

No, it is not related to any country. Also not to Germany. I am a German and I don't know any family who had that as a traditionel New Year's dinner. Maybe it's a tradition for some families to have that kind of dinner. Many have some fish (Karpfen) or lentil soup which is even more common for New Year's. Pork and Sauerkraut Germans eat all year long, especialy in the wintertime.

Look also here: http://www.novareinna.com/festive/atw.html#7

Wish you a happy new year

Answer 3

I live in an area that has a lot of people of German descent, and they have the tradition of pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day bringing good luck for the coming year.

Personally, I can't stand eating that rotten cabbage.

Answer 4

I've heard of Hoppin' John on New Years Day for good luck (black eyed peas have a cross in them) but never heard of the pork and sauerkraut tradition.

Answer 5

If sauerkraut is involved, I'd have to say it's a German thing, even though my mom was German and I don't recall doing that for New Years. The pork, I think, does have something to do with luck. As in...if you're lucky enough to be eating a pig, you're doing pretty well for yourself. Not 100% sure though.

Answer 6

I recently found out that's its a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. One eats pork on New Years Day because its a time to look forward and pigs cannot look back. Therefore, pork is for good luck. Also, a side note, that supposedly a Pennsylvania Dutchman would never eat chicken on New Years Day because they can scratch backward.

Answer 7

MMMMMM Pork.

It has it's origins in the old pre-christian religions and traditions in northern Europe. The boar is an animal that is closely associated with the god Frey. In Germany and Scandanavia a boar would be slaughtered, cooked and served up during the Winter Solstice celebrations (Yule) as an offering to Frey. This traditions has come down through the ages and is still popular with people of German and Scandinavian descent.

This is just one of many old customs that still exist today that were adopted by christians after the northern countries were converted. This is also related to our "new year's resolutions". In the old days people would swear oaths at the changing of the season, and Frey was one of the gods associated with this as well.

Eat up.

Answer 8

I don't know where it came from but my husband has to have it every new years eve and day. His family does this. They say it is supposed to bring good luck. But let me be the first to tell you, it doesn't! LOL....We never have any good luck. Have to go again and eat it this year with his family. I'd rather stay home and go to bed. So the date is changeing, big deal. It changes everyday.

Answer 9

Corned beef is unquestionably an Irish-American custom. some say the clarification why Corned beef grew to alter into the staple merchandise in the Irish-American domicile replaced into unquestionably with the aid of fact maximum of their neighbours have been Jewish and 1st Baron Verulam/rashers replaced into an surprisingly uncommon locate in those neighbourhoods with the aid of beef being no longer kosher and brisket being kosher and obtainable in Jewish Delis. It replaced right into a waiting obtainable merchandise and for that reason corned beef grew to alter into the beef of decision.

Answer 10

Actully you suppost to have Pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Eve. I dunno who started the tradition but I think it's a 1950's and On when it was created...