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Lancaster Co.,PA New Years Day Tradition

By Michael J. Perry

Real Estate Agent with KW Elite

January 01, 2011 04:23 AM

As I was scampering around our local supermarket,Darrenkamps, I was reminded of a long standing Lancaster,PA New Years Day tradition ! All around me I noticed that each shoppers grocery cart had pork and sauerkraut in it. Upon further investigation I also saw the side dishes too, potatoes(usually mashed) and apple sauce. I quickly filled my cart with all 4 items !

Having grown up in this PA Dutch/Mennonite influenced culture, I have experienced this New Years Day meal most of my life. It is the belief of the culture that by eating this combination you are ensuring yourself of Good Luck in the new year ! This is really a big deal around here with many fire companies and churches serving the public this meal today ! Well as a true Lancasterian I've got my pork and sauerkraut in the crock pot, on the counter, in my kitchen ! I'm now ready to take in another area tradition -Penn State New Years Day football !

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Alice Broadway

IXL Real Estate - Mobile, AL

Real Estate Broker

Well Michael, here in the south you gotta have greens(collard, turnips, or cabbage) and Black eyed peas.

I think this is the only time a year I have black eye peas...Although I love all the greens. wishing you a happy and prosperous new year.

Jan 01, 2011 04:42 AM

Mary Yonkers

Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA

Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Hi Mike--I can smell dinner cooking. Enjoy the game. I have all four of your items on my menu, too. As you said 'like minds' . . .

Jan 01, 2011 04:46 AM

Joyce Herr

Prudential Lancaster Real Estate - Lancaster, PA

Lancaster County & Beyond

Mike - Yes we do like our pork & sauerkraut here. And PSU football - too bad the game wasn't as good as the meal. Happy new Year

Jan 02, 2011 02:00 AM

Michael J. Perry

KW Elite - Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Thanks everyone and hope you had a Happy New Year's Day !!!! Meanwhile it's a second night of pork & sauerkraut !!! More Good Luck ???*L*

Jan 02, 2011 07:43 AM

Laura T. Perry

Keller Williams Elite - Lancaster, PA

CRP, GMS, Award Winning Relocation Specialist

You did a good job making New Years Day meal. We're bound to have good luck now !!!!!!*L*

Jan 02, 2011 12:49 PM

Richard Weeks

Dallas, TX

REALTOR®, Broker

Sounds very good to me; however my wife is not a fan of sauerkraut.

Jan 03, 2011 03:31 AM

Gretchen Karr

Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty - Lancaster, PA

Realtor

Happy New Year Mike! No pork and sauerkraut for this Lancaster County native. I was made to eat it as a kid to have "Good Luck" for the family. As an adult it has done nothing but jinxed me!

Jan 03, 2011 09:45 AM

Ben Rutt

Keystone Custom Homes - Manheim, PA

Real Estate Agent Lancaster, PA

Mike, your post made me laugh thinking of how I have eaten the exact dish -- pork, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and applesauce every year growing up. I had no idea it was a Lancaster thing until I had to explain the tradition to my (non lancaster county native) wife who was totally confused as to why we do that.

Jan 04, 2011 03:03 AM

Justin M. Oberholtzer

Keller Williams Realty Lancaster - Lititz, PA

The Justin Oberholtzer Group

Mike,

I must say I love this tradition as well, although my newly found eating habits (Tony Robbins lifestyle) have forced me to eat this meal with a lot more vegetables than in the past. Helps me not to sleep the rest of the afternoon though! Happy New Years Mike, I know this is shaping up to be a great year for you and your team!

Jan 05, 2011 09:50 AM

Debbie Malone

Londeree's Real Estate & Property Management - Lynchburg, VA

From Lynchburg To The Lake (434) 546-0369

Michael, that's great- we have friends from PA and it's one of their traditions. We enjoyed the New Years Day meal they've made. Happy New Year!

Jan 05, 2011 03:29 PM

Gail Sterback

Coldwell Banker Select Professionals, Lancaster PA - Mountville, PA

LancasterRelocation Specialist

Just don't cook any of this several hours before a public open house !!!!!*L*

Jan 10, 2011 08:54 AM

Celesta Funk

KELLER WILLIAMS Realty - Millersville, PA

I'll bet Darrenkamps was mobbed with New Years Day Meal shoppers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jan 13, 2011 09:48 AM

Liz Perry

Strasburg, PA

I think I'll pass on this tradition, but I'm always up for Sushi !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*L*

Feb 22, 2011 10:10 AM

Lancaster Co.,PA New Years Day Tradition

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