From ancient origins comes the tradition of su trigu cottu, a celebratory rite for the new year that is still celebrated today in some parts of Sardinia. The main element of this tradition is wheat, a symbol of prosperity and fertility. On January 1st each year, wheat is prepared and offered as a meal to children, who are a symbol of the future, as well as to farm animals, as a wish for well-being and good fortune.

The ritual is very simple. It begins on the night of December 31st with the cooking of the wheat in water inside a terracotta container for about 30 minutes. The container is then placed in the center of a basket lined with straw and, after being covered with cloth, it is left to rest for the whole night.

By the next morning the wheat will have slowly absorbed all the water and will have become very soft.

At this point, the customs vary depending on where you are celebrating in Sardinia. The most common custom is that found in Sulcis and Iglesiente, where wheat is added to a bowl of hot milk and served for breakfast. The most usual one comes from Campidano and Marmilla, where su trigu cottu is seasoned with saba, a delicious mixture of cooked grapes often made in Sardinian tradition. There are also those who consume the wheat simply seasoned with oil and salt.

No matter which custom you follow, it is a joyous way to start the year wishing each other health and prosperity.