Here in the South, the first meal of the new year is supposed to be collard greens, fat back, blackeyed peas, and cornbread; for 'good luck' in the new year.

I wondered what others around the world did on this day, or if there are other traditions that are steeped in the "superstitious", as they are here in the southern US.

I never liked fat back, but I do fix collards, cornbread, peas and a small ham or pork backbone (a cheaper version of ribs). I don't eat until this meal is ready.

The superstition/tradition says these things will bring you; (collards for) dollars, (cornbread for) bread, (fat back or other 'cheaper cuts' of pork like jowls and knuckles for) meat, (Blackeyed peas for) coins.

I grew up in the south, but never really got all that straight.

I usually have company on New Years Day, but this year, everyone is off on their own, starting their own traditions. I've had a cold this week, so I didn't encourage anyone to come anyway.

Hope everyone has a happy and blessed new year.

You have an interesting tradition. I've never had one, or even heard of one, around NYC. That doesn't mean they don't exist. I suppose different families, ethnic groups, neighborhoods, etc., may have their own traditions, but there's nothing universal. I have few traditions in my life, except to wear pants and pay income taxes, and feel little need of them. I can understand how comforting they might be. They offer a sense of predictability and control in a chaotic world.

Pork and Sauerkraut for good luck. Last year on New Years day my favorite uncle passed away so after eating the traditional meal we will be observing a Catholic tradition. As a family we will go to a Mass dedicated to my uncle. Of course after eating the kraut I hope there will be incense burning. Afterwards back to observe an Irish tradition. Yes the drinks, toasts and memories will flow.

Does anybody know where the New Year tradition of cooking cabbage and stinking up the place originated? If so please enlighten me so that I can add that place to my "DETROIT" list...

Well here in Seattle I am cooking 25# black eyed peas with 20# home pickled pork shoulder. About the same amount of rice, 18# mixed collard, mustard and turnip greens & about 150 portions of Southern style cornbread, with misc. side dishes. Today is the finish of my busy season (Thanksgiving to Christmas) Monday I am going to take my first day off since Thanksgiving, stay in bed with a pot of tea and a murder mystery. (In my dreams probably)

Transward

My plans are far simpler than that I'm going to survive cancer for one more year:(

SC

Since my wife is from Japan and I’ve lived and worked in Japan (and taught Japanese studies for 30 years), my New Year’s Day always includes one very important Japanese tradition.

The first meal of the new year always includes a bowl of buckwheat noodles ( ‘soba’ – 蕎麦) in a fish-based broth.

There are a number of alternative explanations for the tradition, which dates back centuries. One is that buckwheat signifies strength and resiliency as the plant quickly bounces back after being flattened by wind and rain – very different from rice. Another explanation focuses on the long shape of the noodle, signifying a wish for a long life; for a life that is “hosoku nagaku” (‘long and thin’ – a long, peaceful, uneventful life).

A third theory is that soba noodles can be bitten off easily and cleanly, unlike wheat noodles, signifying the clean ending of the old year and all of its troubles.

Yet a fourth explanation is that buckwheat flour was used by goldsmiths to sweep up gold dust on their workbenches, becoming associated with gold and good fortune.

Whatever the reason, soba noodles are one of my favorite Japanese foods, and I’m happy for any excuse to eat them – preferably with a bit of chopped green onion and some red pepper and citrus skin condiment (七味唐辛子 – ‘Shichimi Tôgarashi’).

If I were in Japan, I would be at my local Buddhist temple for the ringing of the temple bell at midnight. I would also plan my first New Year’s visit to my neighborhood Shintô shrine early in the year.

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Used to be a family pork dinner with all the trimmings of sauerkeraut, kielbasi and ribs and roast and chops and potatoes and savoy cabbage fried and little errant fart bombs in garlic and paprika.

We took it easy this year and didn't do it. Texted each other at midnight.

On New Years you have a meal of pork; cows lie down, chickens scratch backwards, but a pig roots forwards so pork on New Years signifies progress and advancement for the coming year.

How interesting, in my family we had no traditions for what to eat on New Years. I learned about the southern tradition just a few years ago when I lived in St Louis. The only thing that I can say that I always have this time of year is Pickled Herring in wine sauce.

Also

This time of year we have food that is traditional for the month of December and January like Albondigas Soup or Tamales, and I did not make either this year. maybe I will do that this next week.

Albondigus soup is Mexican meat ball soup.

River