May the New Year be blessed with powerful New Beginnings. Allow all concerns, leftover from 2023, to disappear as we prepare ourselves for a new chapter in our precious book of life. Miracles do happen and maybe this is the year to manifest big dreams and successes. Let love guide our way forward.
Light and Peace,
Jyl
The other day, as I was waiting in line at the Bio Kaiser (organic bakery), I couldn’t help noticing the fun loaves of bread designed to look like PIG faces—lol. As I stepped into the sweet-smelling bakery, I couldn’t hold back from giggling. My first reaction was, “The bakery is reminding me that if I continue eating daily croissants, I may just turn into a little pig.” I then heard my God voice chime in by saying, “At least the Spring Detox will save you."
The pig loaf turns out to be a sweet bread made of flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and stuffed with nuts. On our way out of the bakery, I asked my husband about the pig pastry. It was new, or at least I hadn’t remembered seeing it before. He said that the bakery wasn’t calling us “over-eater, piggies”; the pig is sacred in Germany and is consumed on New Year’s Day to manifest good luck. Pork is a celebrated food for a bright and successful New Year.
I then started to think about my life growing up on a German farm in Ohio, USA. My mother always cooked German foods on New Year’s Day: sauerkraut (6-8 weeks to prepare), a pork roast (luck), boiled potatoes, greens (more money) and often there were black-eyed peas or beans. These are the foods that represent a prosperous New Year and have been celebrated by the Germans and Polish people who immigrated to the United States to settle in places like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
According to lore, the forward movement of pigs, as they root around the ground with their baby soft, pink snouts looking for food, signifies a “moving forward” trajectory in life. The pig was considered good luck and this tradition started back in the Middle Ages. By the 17th century, it had become a strong custom and is still carried on today. Traditions and superstitions have been practiced throughout the ages. Most of the time, we never think twice about our family’s customs or rituals, and it is happens all over the world.
On a global level, let’s consider a few “lucky food” traditions in other countries. Here are some rituals that I found interesting: In Spain for example, it is customary to eat 12 grapes as midnight strikes into the New Year. In the Netherlands, oliebollen or fried balls of dough are a traditional delicacy and offers a successful New Year. The Japanese celebrate good fortune by eating soba noodles. The noodles symbolize long life. Cotechino con lenticchie or sausage, lentil stew represents wealth and good luck for the Italians. While in Mexico, tamales stuffed with meat and cheeses are being eaten and served alongside a spicey soup called menudo. This family tradition is sure to bring in prosperous new beginnings.
No matter what country you live or foods you celebrate, embrace the fresh energy of the year, 2024. Nourish yourself with foods that make the body feel good. Yes, customs are fun to carry forward, but sometimes you must listen to your gut, and if you are feeling a little guilty like me for your piggy holiday consumptions, take a weekend off in early March to join me in Florida for a cleanse. I would love to see you, whether it is a first-time cleansing experience or return visit.
A reminder: The Irish say, we must keep the back door of the house open, so the old energy of 2023 can leave; while new energy of 2024 can freely come through the open, front door filling the house with the freshness of new possibilities. Juergen and I have a ritual called the “burning bowls” that uses fire to rid the old and create an opening for the new. Whatever you are planning this year, please stay safe and I will see you in the New Year.
Thank you for reading this blog.
Love and Blessings,
Jyl Auxter-Kern, PhD
Author of Upside Down…The Rise of an Evolution
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