Traditional New Year Foods Believed to Bring Good Luck

Black-eyed peas are popular in the Southern United States. People eat them on New Year's Day in a dish called Hoppin' John. The tradition says these beans bring luck and money for the year ahead. Some believe eating 365 peas (one for each day) gives you good fortune all year long.

In Spain and Mexico, people eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve. Each grape represents one month of the coming year. You must eat all 12 grapes as the clock strikes twelve. If you finish them in time, you will have good luck in every month ahead.

Many cultures eat pork on New Year's Day. Pigs move forward when they eat, so people believe pork helps you progress in life. The meat is also rich and fatty, which represents wealth. In Germany and Eastern Europe, pork is often served with sauerkraut for extra good fortune.

Long noodles are important in Asian New Year celebrations. In Japan, people eat soba noodles on New Year's Eve. In China, families enjoy long noodles during Lunar New Year. The length of the noodles symbolizes a long life. Remember not to break or cut them before eating.

In Ireland, New Year's Day is sometimes called the "Day of Buttered Bread." People bang bread against their door to chase away bad luck. They also share bread with friends and neighbors to invite good fortune. The tradition says eating bread with butter brings blessings and happiness to your home.

Lentils are eaten in Italy and Brazil for New Year's. These small round legumes look like coins. People believe that eating lentils brings wealth and prosperity. The tradition comes from ancient Rome, where lentils were given as gifts. The more lentils you eat, the more money you will have.

Fish is a lucky food in many countries. In Scandinavia, China, and Poland, people serve whole fish with the head and tail. Fish swim forward, which symbolizes progress. They also swim in large groups, representing abundance. The shiny scales remind people of silver coins and wealth.

Cornbread is a Southern tradition in the United States. Its golden color represents wealth and prosperity. The bread must be baked, not fried, to keep its lucky meaning. Some families hide a coin inside the cornbread. Whoever finds the coin will have extra good luck in the new year.

In Greece and Turkey, pomegranates symbolize fertility and abundance. Greeks break a pomegranate at their door on New Year's Day. When the seeds spread out, it means many blessings will come. In other cultures, people eat the red seeds in groups of seven for financial success.

Cabbage is considered lucky in Eastern Europe, Ireland, and parts of America. Its green color looks like paper money. People often eat cabbage with pork or in dishes like sauerkraut. Some traditions say hanging cabbage by your door keeps evil spirits away and brings prosperity to your household.