Pork and sauerkraut appear to be a meal that would fit in among many other dinner foods. However, this significant arrangement of objects has roots in German culture. Historically, pork was known to signify prosperity as it is rich in fat. Along with this is sauerkraut which represents health and wealth as the cabbage it is made from is green. On New Year's day, pork and sauerkraut were prepared together and eaten as it was said to bring good luck throughout the next year. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, immigrants brought this traditional meal to the United states where it remains a cultural tradition shared by people with German, Polish, Hungarian, and Czech lineage. Even though it can be viewed as just another meal, it represents a traditional German meal eaten every New Year's day in order to bring good luck in the new year.
My family history has origins in German culture. My Mom and her parents are entirely German so the majority of my cultural background has German roots as well. This object lesson on the meal of pork and sauerkraut has remained a cultural value in our family that represents our heritage. While my family does not include sauerkraut in our meal, my grandparents still prepare the full traditional meal each year in hopes of securing good luck in the coming year.

– Allie Draper

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