Pork and sauerkraut for New Year's Day, a tradition in the Lehigh Valley

Have you ever wondered why people eat port and sauerkraut on New Year's Day?It's a very common tradition in the Lehigh Valley.

The origins date back to Germany. Germans and other pig-raising cultures have been eating these dishes for centuries. People of Czech, Hungarian and Polish ancestry also enjoy the food pairing.

We have many of German and Pennsylvania Dutch heritage here in the Lehigh Valley. According to Wikipedia, The Lehigh Valley was settled in the first half of the 1700s by predominantly German immigrants fleeing war and religious persecution.

Therefore, it's a common tradition for many families here in the Lehigh Valley to eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day.

Additional information on pork and sauerkraut and why it is eaten on New Year's Day:

Symbolism of Pork: In some cultures, pork is considered a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Pigs root forward when they eat, which is seen as a symbol of moving forward and progress. The fat content of pork is also associated with wealth and abundance. We wouldn't want to eat lobster because lobsters walk backward or chicken because they scratch the ground going backward.

Sauerkraut's Connection to Wealth: Sauerkraut, fermented cabbage, is often paired with pork on New Year's Day. The tradition of eating sauerkraut is rooted in Eastern European cultures. The cabbage is believed to symbolize wealth and good fortune because of its green color and the fact that it expands during the fermentation process, representing increasing wealth.

Historical and Cultural Roots: These culinary traditions may have originated from the fact that pork was a readily available and popular meat source in many European cultures. Over time, these customs became associated with New Year's celebrations.

Old World Customs: The tradition of eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day could be traced back to the influence of Old World customs brought by immigrants to the United States (such as here in the Lehigh Valley). As families passed down these traditions, they became an integral part of New Year's celebrations in certain regions.

Sauerkraut is also very healthy. The underlying health benefits of eating sauerkraut also contribute to this tradition, as historically, fermented foods were a big source of vitamin C and nutrients when fresh produce wasn't available.

Now you know the reasons behind having pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day.