Holiday ethnic food traditions from around the world Holiday ethnic food traditions from around the world Throughout the centuries, in countries around the world, food has been used to celebrate at our holidays, our rituals and our family gatherings. The food eaten at holiday time has made the deepest impact on our culture and memories.
Different holidays bring different types of food.
Much of the food we eat during the holidays comes from old wives tales and traditions handed down for hundreds of years. New Year s Eve always brings parties and get-togethers, but where you live in the world may determine what food graces your table. In the southern US, partiers eat black eyed peas, which are thought to bring good luck and prosperity. The Japanese also eat food for good luck on New Year s, but their choice is red snapper, the color red being considered good luck in Japan. The Jewish celebrate New Year by eating apples dipped in honey and in Madrid, Spain the last minutes of the New Year are counted down with the popping of grapes into the mouth.