New Year’s celebrations are often filled with traditions that signify prosperity, health, and happiness.
Around the world, some foods are thought to bring good luck when eaten at the start of the new year.
Here are six lucky foods enjoyed in different cultures.
1. Black-Eyed Peas and Greens (Southern United States)
Black-eyed peas and collard greens are considered a staple of Southern U.S. cuisine. On New Year’s Day, these foods are eaten for good luck. The peas represent coins, and the greens represent paper money. Paired with cornbread, representing gold, the meal is synonymous with wealth and prosperity for the year ahead.
2. Twelve Grapes (Spain)
This tradition is observed by eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight. Each grape has a meaning or wish or hope for every month of the following year. And to get luck, it should be eaten all before the final chime of the clock.
3. Noodles (China and Japan)
Long noodles, such as soba in Japan or longevity noodles in China, are eaten for a long and prosperous life. One is careful not to break the noodles while eating, as their length symbolizes longevity and unbroken fortune.
4. Pomegranate (Greece and Turkey)
Pomegranates are often associated with abundance and fertility in Greek and Turkish cultures. It is a common ritual in Greece to “smash” pomegranate on the ground during the New Year’s celebrations. The more seeds scattered, the more luck and prosperity for the household.
5. Lentils (Italy and Brazil)
Lentils are considered a symbol of wealth and good fortune in countries like Italy and Brazil. Their round, coin-like shape represents prosperity. Italians enjoy lentils as part of their New Year’s Eve meal, often served with sausages, while Brazilians include them in soups or stews.
6. Fish (Scandinavia and East Asia)
Fish represents advancement and prosperity in most cultures. Scandinavians eat pickled herring, while East Asian communities enjoy whole fish dishes. The scales of the fish look like coins, and its swimming forward nature means moving ahead in life.
All from a simple lentil to the magical pomegranate, they represent the riches of traditions and beliefs that complement New Year festivities all over the world. Chances are incorporating these dishes during your festivities just might bring fortune, health, and happiness this coming year.
