Everyone has their New Year’s traditions, which can differ based on where you reside. While some people may throw a spectacular New Year’s Eve party, others will reflect on the previous year. In any case, there will almost certainly be some quality time with friends or family, as well as plenty of excellent food. In fact, some cultures take New Year’s Eve dinner very seriously, presenting specific dishes considered to bring good luck in the coming year. This list of New Year’s good luck foods is sure to make your 2023 the finest year yet, whether it’s for health, happiness, or fortune.
Here is a list of 5 food items that will assure good luck for you and your loved ones.
- Beans
Beans, like greens, resemble money; in particular, they represent coins. Beans are traditionally mixed with rice and bacon for Hoppin’ John, a lucky New Year’s Eve dish in the American South.
- Noodles
On New Year’s Day, several Asian countries eat long noodles to extend their lives. There is one caveat: you cannot break the noodle from your plate to your mouth.
- Lentils
Lentils are a popular legume in Italian households, and its folklore is associated with prosperity: the spherical legumes resemble coins. Lentils, along with pig and sausages, are customarily eaten after midnight on New Year’s Eve.
- Pomegranates
Pomegranates are associated with fertility and vitality, therefore eating them may be the key to a prosperous new year. On New Year’s Day, a pomegranate is placed outside the residence and shattered. The more seeds that fall during the initial crush, the more fortunate the coming year will be. Pomegranate seeds are also associated with fertility in Turkish tradition, so if you’re planning to start or expand your family, you should go for it.
- Fish
Fish has come to signify wealth, success, and abundance as a traditional New Year’s good luck snack in many cultures. Because of its cultural and economic importance, herring is a popular delicacy to eat on New Year’s for good luck in Scandinavia. With their glittering colors, fish scales are supposed to signify money in regions like Eastern Europe. Shrimp are eaten for long life in Japan, herring roe for fertility, and dried sardines for a successful crop.
Try out this food and have a happy and prosperous start to your new year!