L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 20 L'Italo-Americano A taste of renewal: Italian foods that symbolize the New Year A s the year draws to a close, Ita- l i a n t a b l e s transform into feasts full of his- tory, tradition, and symbol- ism. Many of our end-of-the- y e a r f o o d s c a r r y d e e p meanings tied to renewal, prosperity, and good fortune, reflecting Italy's long-lasting love relationship with food as a source of both nourish- ment and cultural identity. D u r i n g N e w Y e a r ' s E v e ( C e n o n e d i C a p o d a n n o ) , families and friends often gather to share meals that celebrate the past and wel- come the future, incorporat- ing ingredients imbued with centuries of good fortune and renewal symbolism. Lentils: coins for pros- perity L e n t i l s a r e a s t a p l e o f Italian New Year celebra- tions, and no festive table is complete without a steaming bowl of these delicious yet simple legumes. Their asso- ciation with wealth and pros- perity dates back to ancient Rome, where their coin-like shape symbolized financial success. During that time, lentils were often given as gifts in small pouches, repre- s e n t i n g w i s h e s f o r a b u n - dance in the coming year. Today, lentils are served as part of the New Year's Eve feast, typically paired with rich pork dishes like zampo- ne (stuffed pig's trotter) or c o t e c h i n o ( a s p i c e d p o r k sausage). These combina- tions are highly symbolic, b e c a u s e p o r k , a f a t t y a n d indulgent meat, represents abundance and the hope for a year of plenty. Pomegranates: seeds of abundance T h e p o m e g r a n a t e i s another symbolic ingredient in Italian New Year tradi- t i o n s . R e v e r e d i n a n c i e n t Roman and Greek mythology as a symbol of fertility and abundance, the fruit has long been associated with renewal and prosperity. On New Year's Eve, pome- granates are often split open t o r e v e a l t h e i r j e w e l - l i k e seeds, which are used in var- i o u s d i s h e s . I n s o u t h e r n Italy, they are scattered over salads, paired with fennel a n d o r a n g e s f o r a b r i g h t , z e s t y d i s h . S o m e f a m i l i e s i n c o r p o r a t e p o m e g r a n a t e s e e d s i n t o d e s s e r t s l i k e panna cotta or ricotta-filled pastries, adding a touch of sweetness and symbolism to t h e m e a l . T h e c o u n t l e s s seeds of the pomegranate are seen as a wish for a fruit- ful year, representing oppor- t u n i t i e s a n d b l e s s i n g s i n abundance. Grapes: a symbol of moderation and wealth G r a p e s h o l d a u n i q u e place in Italian New Year traditions: at the stroke of midnight, it is customary in m a n y r e g i o n s t o e a t 1 2 grapes, one for each month o f t h e c o m i n g y e a r . T h i s practice, thought to have o r i g i n a t e d i n S p a i n , h a s been embraced by Italians as a way to ensure good for- t u n e a n d p r o s p e r i t y throughout the year. In some areas, the tradi- tion carries an additional layer of meaning, as grapes are seen as a reminder of m o d e r a t i o n a n d b a l - a n c e , v a l u e s d e e p l y ingrained in Italian culture. T h e s a y i n g , " C h i m a n g i a l'uva per Capodanno, vedrà i soldi tutto l'anno" ("Who eats grapes on New Year's w i l l s e e m o n e y a l l y e a r long"), reinforces the idea that prosperity comes not only from abundance but also from careful manage- ment of resources. C h e s t n u t s a n d w a l - n u t s : r e s i l i e n c e a n d renewal Chestnuts and walnuts are deeply symbolic in Ital- ian culture, particularly dur- ing New Year's celebrations. Chestnuts, often roasted or i n c o r p o r a t e d i n t o r u s t i c desserts like castagnaccio (a c h e s t n u t f l o u r c a k e ) , a r e associated with resilience and survival. Their historical importance as a staple food in mountainous regions ties t h e m t o t h e m e s o f endurance and adaptability. Walnuts, on the other hand, symbolize fertility and a b u n d a n c e : i n a n c i e n t Rome, they were associated with Jupiter, the king of the gods, and were often includ- ed in rituals to ensure pros- perity. On New Year's Eve, they are commonly served alongside cheese and honey, or as part of a decorative centerpiece, inviting good fortune into the home. R e d c h i l i p e p p e r s : spicy protection I n I t a l i a n c u l t u r e , r e d c h i l i p e p p e r s a r e o f t e n associated with good fortune and protection. This belief is closely linked to the corni- cello, a horn-shaped amulet resembling a chili pepper, traditionally worn to ward off the evil eye and attract luck. While the cornicello itself is not specifically tied to New Year's Eve, its sym- bolism aligns well with the themes of prosperity and protection that are central to N e w Y e a r c e l e b r a t i o n s . Incorporating red chili pep- pers or cornicello charms into New Year's festivities c a n b e s e e n a s a w a y t o invite good luck for the com- ing year. S p a r k l i n g w i n e : a toast to the new year! No Italian New Year cele- bration is complete without a glass of sparkling wine. Prosecco, Franciacorta, and Asti Spumante are the stars of the evening, their effervescence mirroring the joy and anticipation of the moment. The act ofraising a glass at midnight is a true r i t u a l o f c o n n e c t i o n a n d r e n e w a l , a s f a m i l i e s a n d friends come together to cel- ebrate the promise of the future. The first toast of the new year is often accompa- nied by the phrase, "Buon a n n o e t a n t a f e l i c i t à ! " ( " H a p p y N e w Y e a r a n d much happiness!"). Food as a language of renewal In Italy, food is never just food: it is a language, a way to connect past and future, a cultural signifier, a moment o f j o y . T h e d i s h e s s e r v e d during the New Year, from the coin-like lentils to the abundant seeds of the pome- g r a n a t e , c a r r y a s t o r y , a wish, and a promise for what lies ahead. FRANCESCA BEZZONE Lentils, here served with sliced zampone, are a traditional food for New Year's Eve (Photo: Alessandro Mascheroni/Dreamstime) Walnuts are believed to bring good luck (Photo: Dariazu/Dreamstime) LA BUONA TAVOLA RECIPES COOKING TIPS SEASONAL DISHES

• Cover