PENNSYLVANIA, USA — While it's not uncommon to see pork and sauerkraut on the New Year's Day menu in any state, it's a dish that's been celebrated by Pennsylvanians for decades.
Though many cultures view the pig as representing the bounty of the harvest, Pennsylvania Dutch culture sees the barn animal as a sign of progress, as pigs are always moving forward, according to PAeats.
VisitPA states that cabbage, the main ingredient in sauerkraut, represents money and prosperity, as it is shaped like coins and green.
The meal was initially created in Germany hundreds of years ago and was later introduced to the states by the Pennsylvania Dutch, where it quickly took off, PAeats stated. While pork and sauerkraut are commonly associated with Pa., and especially the Pa. Dutch community, it's not hard to find it elsewhere!
With the main components of the dinner being seen as bringing both progress and good fortune, it's no wonder why so many Pennsylvanians pick pork and sauerkraut to be their first meal of the year.
If you are looking to join in on the Pa. traditions, but not sure where to start in the kitchen, don't worry! We've compiled a list of organizations and restaurants in the area hosting pork and sauerkraut dinners on New Year's Day (feel free to email us at news@fox43.com to get an event added):
Adams County
- Greenmount Community Fire Department, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cumberland County
- Mt. Holly Church of God, 11 a.m.
Dauphin County
- Chamber's Hill Fire Company, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Franklin County
Lancaster County
- Lancaster Church of the Brethren, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Fivepointville Fire Company Station 32, 10:30 a.m.
Lebanon County
- Campbelltown Volunteer Fire Company, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Mifflin/Juniata County
- County Line Restaurant, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Perry County
- Bethany United Methodist Church, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
York County
- Wrightsville Hope United Methodist Church, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Community Fire Company of Seven Valleys, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
