10 lucky New Year's foods from around the world

By Ashlyn Messier Fox News

Published December 31, 2020 9:43am EST

For many of us, a traditional New Year's feast is comprised of Champagne and whatever confetti happens to fall into it while we're drinking it.

But for lots of revelers around the world, New Year's is a time to eat symbolic (and perhaps more substantial) treats and meals.

Cultures from nearly every continent celebrate the New Year with their own unique foods — many of which are eaten in the hopes of bringing luck, good health or prosperity in the near future.

So if you're looking for a fun way to ring in the New Year that won't result in a pounding headache or confetti in your teeth, try one of the worldly delights noted below.

Diving right in here.

Oliebollen are small doughnuts that are prepared on New Year's Eve in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands: Oliebollen

On New Year's Eve in the Netherlands, the Dutch traditionally prepare and eat oliebollen, or small doughnuts studded with dried raisins or currants.

The tradition of eating oliebollen (literally "oil balls") is thought to have originated with early Germanic tribes as a way to ward off the pagan goddess Perchta, who would fly through the skies during Yule and slice open the bellies of disobedient tribespeople.

Anyone who had eaten oliebollen, however, was spared, as Perchta's sword would slide off their full, greasy bellies.

Spain: 12 grapes

Lots of people sip some bubbly to welcome in the New Year, but in Spain (and in some parts of Latin America) they'll be gulping down the grapes themselves.

The tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight began in the 1880s as a way of "copying the French tradition of having grapes and Champagne on the last day of the year," noted NPR. This custom was ultimately adopted by Madrileños, or inhabitants of Madrid, who would travel to Puerta del Sol "to see the bells chime at the turning of the year and, most likely in an ironic or mocking manner, eat grapes like the upper class," the outlet said.

Twelve grapes are traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve in Spain.

Today, this method still lives on, and residents can even purchase their 12 grapes in small tins, already seeded and peeled.

Italy: Cotechino con Lenticchie

Italians know a thing or two about preparing a feast, so it only makes sense that they'd whip up a mouthwatering cotechino con lenticchie for New Year's.

This traditional stew is made with pork and lentils, which have been described as "two of Italy’s culinary symbols of good luck."

For example, some Italians believe that pigs, who push their snouts forward along the way rather than backward, are symbolic of progress. As for lentils, they’re already shaped like miniature coins, symbolizing fortune. Therefore, eating this hearty dish on New Year's is said to ensure a prosperous 12 months.

Berlin: Berliner Pfannkuchen

In Berlin, different varieties of jelly doughnuts known as Berliner Pfannkuchen are purchased at local bakeries on Dec. 31 and enjoyed later in the evening.

Some folks even eat these fluffy treats "to nurse [a] hangover the next day," said The New York Times.

And while the Berliner Pfannkuchen is usually filled with a fruit jam, like plum, apricot or raspberry, be warned: It's "a common practical joke to fill some with mustard instead of jelly to trick unsuspecting guests," said History.com.

Greece: Vasilopita

When it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve like the Greeks, vasilopita is the dessert you should have on the table.

Greek American nutritionist Elena Paravantes describes this dish as a moist cake made with traditional ingredients like sugar, milk, eggs, and even orange and orange zest, although it can also be made with yeast for a "more bread-like" consistency.

Many vasilopitas are decorated with the date of the New Year, but they can also be topped with sliced almonds or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

It's tradition in Greece to smash pomegranates on New Year's Eve to bring good luck.

Also in Greece, pomegranates have been a symbol of good luck, specifically when it comes to fertility. Often in the country, pomegranates are not consumed, but rather smashed on the ground for a stroke of good luck.

Japan: Toshikoshi Soba

On New Year’s Eve, the Japanese savor a bowl of hearty soba noodles known as toshikoshi soba, or "year-passing" noodles. "The buckwheat noodles are longer than usual because the soba symbolizes longevity," reported The Chicago Tribune.

"According to some historians, soba is supposed to signify strength and resiliency, since the buckwheat plant itself bounces back even after being flattened by wind and rain," added The Japan Times, which also noted that the long noodles "may signify the [eater's] wish for a long life."

(And if they're feeling superstitious, some diners avoid cutting the noodles while eating to ensure lasting luck. In other words, start slurping!)

A Japanese tradition is to eat toshikoshi soba, or "year-passing" noodles for New Year's Eve.

American South: Black-eyed peas, Hoppin' John

It's common to see black-eyed peas on the New Year's table in many parts of the American South, often as an ingredient in Hoppin' John (a Carolina dish of rice, peas and bits of pork).

The theories behind these dishes differ, but according to cookbook author and New York Times contributor Jessica B. Harris, the African slaves en route to America survived on black-eyed peas, and later planted the hardy crops upon arriving, so "having some extra on hand at the New Year guaranteed sustenance provided by a new crop."

Black-eyed peas are often served with collard greens and cornbread.

Black-eyed peas, a common New Year's dish in southern America, are often served with collard greens and cornbread.

Ireland: Buttered bread (and banging bread)

Irish households would sometimes leave buttered bread (or bread and butter sandwiches) on their doorsteps on New Year's Eve for local children to come and collect, according to historians.

The holiday is sometimes called "The Day of the Buttered Bread" in Gaelic.

Another tradition reportedly involves banging a stale loaf of "Christmas bread" against the doors and walls of the house to scare away any bad spirits.

Mexico: Tamales

Over in Mexico, tamales are a food often served on holidays, and New Year’s is no different. When tamales are put together, the steps to make them are typically split among multiple family members. This dish is a very family-oriented one that takes help from the whole family to make.

Tamales are a fairly time-consuming dish, made up of a corn-based dough stuffed with meat and other toppings, and wrapped in corn husk, so you’ll need all hands on deck.

Making tamales traditionally involves multiple members of the family working together.

Germany: Soft pretzels

A New Year’s feast in Germany will often feature soft pretzels.

These pretzels are "seen as a symbol of good luck, prosperity and spiritual fulfillment," said History.com.

Sauerkraut, lentil soup and fondue are usually on the menu as well.

10 lucky New Year's foods from around the world

世界各地的10种幸运新年食品

For many of us, a traditional New Year's feast is comprised of Champagne and whatever confetti happens to fall into it while we're drinking it.

对我们很多人来说，新年的大餐是由香槟和我们喝香槟时掉进去的五彩纸屑组成的。

But for lots of revelers around the world, New Year's is a time to eat symbolic (and perhaps more substantial) treats and meals.

但对于世界各地的许多狂欢者来说，新年是吃有象征意义的(或更实质性的)大餐的时候。

Cultures from nearly every continent celebrate the New Year with their own unique foods — many of which are eaten in the hopes of bringing luck, good health or prosperity in the near future.

几乎每个大陆的文化都有自己独特的食物来庆祝新年，其中很多食物都是为了希望给接下来带来好运、健康和繁荣。

So if you're looking for a fun way to ring in the New Year that won't result in a pounding headache or confetti in your teeth, try one of the worldly delights noted below.

因此，如果你正在寻找一种不会让你头疼或者牙齿上粘着五彩纸屑的迎接新年的方法，尝试下面的这些全球乐趣之一。

Diving right in here.

就在这。

The Netherlands: Oliebollen

荷兰：炸油球

On New Year's Eve in the Netherlands, the Dutch traditionally prepare and eat oliebollen, or small doughnuts studded with dried raisins or currants.

在荷兰的新年前夜，人们通常会准备和吃炸油球，或者是镶有葡萄干或醋栗的小甜甜圈。

The tradition of eating oliebollen (literally "oil balls") is thought to have originated with early Germanic tribes as a way to ward off the pagan goddess Perchta, who would fly through the skies during Yule and slice open the bellies of disobedient tribespeople.

吃炸油球（字面意思是“油球”）的传统被认为起源于早期的日耳曼部落，作为抵御异教徒女神Perchta的一种方式，Perchta会在圣诞节期间在天空飞行，切开不听话的部落居民的腹部。

Anyone who had eaten oliebollen, however, was spared, as Perchta's sword would slide off their full, greasy bellies.

然而，每一个吃过炸油球的人都会幸免于难，因为Perchta的剑会从他们饱而油腻的肚子上滑落。

Spain: 12 grapes

西班牙：12颗葡萄

Lots of people sip some bubbly to welcome in the New Year, but in Spain (and in some parts of Latin America) they'll be gulping down the grapes themselves.

很多人会喝一些香槟来迎接新年，但在西班牙（以及拉丁美洲的一些地区），他们会吞葡萄。

The tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight began in the 1880s as a way of "copying the French tradition of having grapes and Champagne on the last day of the year," noted NPR. This custom was ultimately adopted by Madrileños, or inhabitants of Madrid, who would travel to Puerta del Sol "to see the bells chime at the turning of the year and, most likely in an ironic or mocking manner, eat grapes like the upper class," the outlet said.

据NPR（美国国家公共广播电台）报道，午夜吃12颗葡萄的传统始于19世纪80年代，是为了“模仿法国在一年的最后一天吃葡萄和香槟的传统”。这一习俗最终被Madrileños或者说马德里的居民所采用，他们会前往太阳门广场“观看跨年的钟声，很可能会以讽刺或嘲弄的方式，像上流社会的人一样吃葡萄”。

Today, this method still lives on, and residents can even purchase their 12 grapes in small tins, already seeded and peeled.

如今，这种传统仍然存在，人们甚至会去购买12颗装在小罐子里的葡萄，这些葡萄已经去籽去皮。

Italy: Cotechino con Lenticchie

意大利：薰猪肉肠配扁豆

Italians know a thing or two about preparing a feast, so it only makes sense that they'd whip up a mouthwatering cotechino con lenticchie for New Year's.

意大利人非常清楚怎么去准备盛宴，他们会为新年准备一份令人流口水的薰猪肉肠配扁豆。

This traditional stew is made with pork and lentils, which have been described as "two of Italy’s culinary symbols of good luck."

这种传统美食是用猪肉和小扁豆做成的，它们是“意大利食物中两个好运的象征”。

For example, some Italians believe that pigs, who push their snouts forward along the way rather than backward, are symbolic of progress. As for lentils, they’re already shaped like miniature coins, symbolizing fortune. Therefore, eating this hearty dish on New Year's is said to ensure a prosperous 12 months.

例如，一些意大利人认为猪是进步的象征，因为它们一路上都向前拱鼻子，而不会后退。对于扁豆，它们的形状像微型硬币，象征着财富。因此，在新年吃这道丰盛的菜可以保证接下来12个月的繁荣。

Berlin: Berliner Pfannkuchen

柏林：柏林果酱包

In Berlin, different varieties of jelly doughnuts known as Berliner Pfannkuchen are purchased at local bakeries on Dec. 31 and enjoyed later in the evening.

在柏林，人们会在12月31日在当地面包店购买不同品种的被称为“柏林果酱包”的果酱甜甜圈，在晚上进行享用。

Some folks even eat these fluffy treats "to nurse [a] hangover the next day," said The New York Times.

《纽约时报》称，有些人甚至会吃这些松软的食物“来缓解第二天的宿醉”。

And while the Berliner Pfannkuchen is usually filled with a fruit jam, like plum, apricot or raspberry, be warned: It's "a common practical joke to fill some with mustard instead of jelly to trick unsuspecting guests," said History.com.

柏林果酱包通常会塞水果酱，如李子、杏子或树莓，但需要注意：“在一些柏林果酱包里塞芥末而不是果酱来欺骗毫无戒心的客人是一个常见的恶作剧”，History.com说道。

Greece: Vasilopita

希腊：新年蛋糕

When it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve like the Greeks, vasilopita is the dessert you should have on the table.

希腊人在过新年夜的时候，vasilopita应该是要出现在桌上的甜点。

Greek American nutritionist Elena Paravantes describes this dish as a moist cake made with traditional ingredients like sugar, milk, eggs, and even orange and orange zest, although it can also be made with yeast for a "more bread-like" consistency.

希腊裔美国营养学家Elena Paravantes将这道菜描述为一种用糖、牛奶、鸡蛋，甚至橙子和橙子皮等传统食材制成的稀蛋糕，虽然它也可以发酵制成，以获得“更像面包”的稠度。

Many vasilopitas are decorated with the date of the New Year, but they can also be topped with sliced almonds or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

很多vasilopitas都是用新年的日期来装饰的，不过也可以在上面撒上杏仁片或简单的撒些糖粉。

Also in Greece, pomegranates have been a symbol of good luck, specifically when it comes to fertility. Often in the country, pomegranates are not consumed, but rather smashed on the ground for a stroke of good luck.

同样在希腊，石榴也是好运的象征，尤其是对于富饶。在这个国家，石榴经常不被吃掉，而是被砸碎在地上以示好运。

Japan: Toshikoshi Soba

日本：跨年荞麦面

On New Year’s Eve, the Japanese savor a bowl of hearty soba noodles known as toshikoshi soba, or "year-passing" noodles. "The buckwheat noodles are longer than usual because the soba symbolizes longevity," reported The Chicago Tribune.

在新年夜，日本的人们会品尝一碗丰盛的荞麦面，被称为toshikoshi荞麦面，或“跨年”面条。据《芝加哥论坛报》报道：“这种荞麦面比平时要长，因为荞麦面象征着长寿”。

"According to some historians, soba is supposed to signify strength and resiliency, since the buckwheat plant itself bounces back even after being flattened by wind and rain," added The Japan Times, which also noted that the long noodles "may signify the [eater's] wish for a long life."

“根据一些历史学家的说法，荞麦面被认为是力量和韧性的象征，因为荞麦植物本身即使在被风和雨弄倒后也能反弹”，《日本时报》说道，同时还指出，长面条“可能意味着（吃的人）对长寿的愿望”。

(And if they're feeling superstitious, some diners avoid cutting the noodles while eating to ensure lasting luck. In other words, start slurping!)

（如果他们迷信的话，一些人会在吃面条时避免咬断面条，以确保好运持久。换句话说，直接吞进去！）

American South: Black-eyed peas, Hoppin' John

美国南方：黑眼豌豆，Hoppin'John

It's common to see black-eyed peas on the New Year's table in many parts of the American South, often as an ingredient in Hoppin' John (a Carolina dish of rice, peas and bits of pork).

在美国许多南方地区，黑眼豌豆在新年餐桌上很常见，通常是Hoppin‘John（一道由大米、豌豆和猪肉组成的Carolina菜）的配料。

The theories behind these dishes differ, but according to cookbook author and New York Times contributor Jessica B. Harris, the African slaves en route to America survived on black-eyed peas, and later planted the hardy crops upon arriving, so "having some extra on hand at the New Year guaranteed sustenance provided by a new crop."

这道菜肴背后有很多不同的理论，但根据烹饪书作者、《纽约时报》撰稿人Jessica B. Harris的说法，以前前往美国的非洲奴隶们靠着豌豆熬过了艰难的旅程，并在抵达后种植了这种耐旱的作物，因此“在新年时备有一些额外的豌豆，可以保证新作物提供的生存维持”。

Black-eyed peas are often served with collard greens and cornbread.

黑眼豌豆常与羽衣甘蓝和玉米面包一起食用。

Ireland: Buttered bread (and banging bread)

爱尔兰：黄油面包（和砸面包）

Irish households would sometimes leave buttered bread (or bread and butter sandwiches) on their doorsteps on New Year's Eve for local children to come and collect, according to historians.

据历史学家称，爱尔兰家庭有时会在新年夜把涂了黄油的面包（或面包和黄油的三明治）放在家门口，让当地的孩子来拿。

The holiday is sometimes called "The Day of the Buttered Bread" in Gaelic.

这个节日在盖尔语中有时被称为“黄油面包日”。

Another tradition reportedly involves banging a stale loaf of "Christmas bread" against the doors and walls of the house to scare away any bad spirits.

还有报道称另一个传统是用一条陈旧的“圣诞面包”敲打房屋的门和墙壁，以吓跑所有的厄运。

Mexico: Tamales

墨西哥：Tamales（传统小吃， 就相当于我们端午的粽子）

Over in Mexico, tamales are a food often served on holidays, and New Year’s is no different. When tamales are put together, the steps to make them are typically split among multiple family members. This dish is a very family-oriented one that takes help from the whole family to make.

在墨西哥，tamales通常是节假日里会吃的食物，新年也不例外。制作tamales通常需要多位家庭成员共同参与，分工合作。这道菜非常注重家庭团聚，需要全家人共同参与制作。

Tamales are a fairly time-consuming dish, made up of a corn-based dough stuffed with meat and other toppings, and wrapped in corn husk, so you’ll need all hands on deck.

Tamales是一道相当耗时的菜，由玉米面团制成，里面塞满了肉和其他配料，然后用玉米壳包裹起来，所以你需要齐心协力。

Germany: Soft pretzels

德国：软椒盐卷饼

A New Year’s feast in Germany will often feature soft pretzels.

德国的新年大餐通常以软脆椒盐卷饼为特色。

These pretzels are "seen as a symbol of good luck, prosperity and spiritual fulfillment," said History.com.

这些椒盐卷饼“被视为好运、繁荣和精神满足的象征”，History.com说道。

Sauerkraut, lentil soup and fondue are usually on the menu as well.

通常还有德国酸菜、扁豆汤和火锅。

know a thing or two并非是“略知一二”的意思，而是表达“明白事理，精明能干”，也就是不但知道其一，还知道其二，当然是把事情来龙去脉都弄明白，就是精通某事了。

例如：

- He would know a thing or two about integrated circuits. He co-founded a great company in 1968.

- 此人通晓集成电路，于1968年与人共同创建了一所伟大的公司。