Fresh New Run in 2021

Out with a rather trying 2020, in with a hopefully more cooperative 2021.

After 2020, trying to give 2021 a leg up on being a good year...

Pork, beans, greens on golden polenta for good luck in the new year.

Grapes and oranges for more good luck in 2021.

 

... Some good luck foods seem to be in order for 2021’s first dinner, just to be safe:

Alas, I had no black eyed peas in the pantry, but plenty of other beans, so I made do with the white beans I had that most resemble the black eyed peas - though they lack the eye that are supposed to ward off the evil eye, but still expand for abundance and plenty.  I did consider running out for black eyed peas, but, well, we are in the middle of a COVID spike - that fact is real and scientifically and quantitatively proven (and indisputable by rational people) - taking the risk of unnecessary exposure to a disease in support of a superstitious dish was just not rational.  And the white beans have been sitting for some time and needed to be used, and part of this year's goals is to actually consume what I have - avoid waste when so many are wanting, utilize in the present because tomorrow is not assured.  

The bok choy greens symbolize money.  

The char siu pork, gifted by Sissy, was, admittedly, a break from my predominant vegetarianism (sixth anniversary of that decision!) - now I can't invoke the social exceptions clause to my vegetarianism, because we are in a COVID spike and I had New Year's Eve and New Year's Day by myself; instead, I will need to invoke the special circumstances clause (used for cultural food experiences while traveling, or to experience the specialty at a restaurant), and declare the overriding necessity of ushering in good fortune for 2021 to balance out 2020's derailment - but that pork is for forward momentum, as, reportedly, pigs only root forward.  

And the bed of polenta - well, traditionally hopping John is served with cornbread, which looks like gold for wealth, but it's really just the cornmeal we're after, right? Liquid gold will do.  And during the evening time crunch, polenta is easier to prepare and requires fewer ingredients.  So polenta it was.  (Actually, what I forgot to do was add quinoa - my favorite new way of preparing polenta so that it is heftier and more nutritious is by replacing some of the cornmeal with quinoa; still delish!)

And last night I rang in the new year with grapes (in Spain and Mexico, twelve eaten for each stroke leading to midnight bring luck for the full year) and mandarin oranges (round for continuing luck, and resembling coins for prosperity).

Thusly armed, maybe there's a chance 2021 will be a bit less of a dumpster fire than last year.  Granted, there is absolutely no scientific or imperical evidence for any of this.  And is this the time to peddle in non-factual ritual?  Perhaps not, but I know these to be superstitions, and eating these will do no harm to me or anyone else.  Engaging these food charms won't in any way change my intention to get those two COVID shots as soon as my turn comes up - that's the real life assessment to be made and imperative to follow, and I am absolutely on board for that.  Balance - and knowing the difference between fiction and reality.

Happy, healthy, meaningful, and successful new year to all!

[Last edited January 2, 2021.]