16 Must-Try Foods to Bring Good Luck for the New Year

Around the world, people enjoy foods believed to bring luck, prosperity, and happiness for the New Year. Whether it’s a sweet bite, a savory dish, or something symbolic, these traditions are a meaningful way to start the year. There’s something special about sharing a meal that feels like it’s bringing a little extra luck. Let’s explore some must-try foods to make your New Year even brighter.

Black-Eyed Peas

In the Southern United States, consuming black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is thought to bring prosperity. Their coin-like appearance symbolizes wealth and financial success. Often prepared in a dish called Hoppin’ John, they are simmered with rice and pork. This tradition has roots in African and Jewish customs, emphasizing good fortune. Accompanying the peas with cornbread and greens is said to enhance the auspiciousness.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are consumed in the American South to symbolize money and financial prosperity. Their green hue resembles paper currency, making them a staple for New Year’s meals. Typically, they are slow-cooked with ham hocks or bacon to enhance flavor. The tradition suggests that the more greens you eat, the greater your financial gains in the coming year. This practice is often paired with black-eyed peas and cornbread for a complete luck-bringing meal.

Grapes

In Spain and many Latin American countries, it’s customary to eat twelve grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Each grape represents good luck for one month of the upcoming year. The tradition, known as “Las Doce Uvas de la Suerte,” dates back to the early 20th century. Participants aim to consume all twelve grapes in sync with the twelve clock chimes at midnight. Successfully doing so is believed to ensure a fortunate and prosperous year ahead.

Nian Gao (Chinese New Year Cake)

Nian Gao is a traditional Chinese rice cake enjoyed during the Lunar New Year. Its name sounds like “higher year,” symbolizing growth, progress, and the promise of a better year. Made from glutinous rice flour, it’s often sweetened and can be steamed or fried. Consuming Nian Gao is believed to bring prosperity and success. It’s also offered to the Kitchen God in hopes of receiving favorable reports on the household’s behavior.

Long Noodles

In Chinese culture, eating long noodles during the New Year signifies longevity. The length of the noodle represents the eater’s life; therefore, it’s important not to cut them. These noodles are often stir-fried or served in a broth, prepared with vegetables and meats. Slurping the noodles without breaking them is encouraged to ensure a long life. This practice is also observed during birthdays and other significant celebrations.

Lentils

In Italy, lentils are eaten on New Year’s Day to bring good fortune. Their coin-like shape symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Often, they are served with cotechino, a rich pork sausage, in a dish called “Cotechino con Lenticchie.” This combination is believed to ensure abundance in the coming year. The tradition dates back to ancient Rome, where lentils were given as gifts with the hope they would turn into gold coins.

Pomegranates

In Turkey and other Mediterranean countries, pomegranates are symbols of fertility and abundance. Their red color represents the human heart, denoting life and fertility. The numerous seeds inside signify prosperity and the hope for a fruitful new year. Some traditions involve smashing a pomegranate on the floor to reveal its seeds, predicting the family’s good fortune. The more seeds that scatter, the more luck and abundance are expected.

Fish

Fish is a common New Year’s dish in various cultures due to its association with abundance. In Chinese tradition, the word for fish, “yú,” sounds like “surplus,” symbolizing an excess of wealth. It’s customary to serve the fish whole, with the head and tail intact, representing a good beginning and end to the year. In some European countries, fish scales are thought to resemble coins, further linking fish to financial prosperity. Eating fish is believed to ensure progress and avoid bad luck in the coming year.

Pork

Pork is often associated with progress and prosperity in many cultures. Pigs root forward, symbolizing moving ahead into the new year. In the Southern United States, pork is a staple in New Year’s meals, often served alongside black-eyed peas and collard greens. Dishes like roast pork or sausages are common, embodying wealth and abundance. The rich, fatty nature of pork signifies a bountiful and prosperous year ahead.

Cornbread

In the American South, cornbread is a traditional New Year’s dish symbolizing gold and wealth. Its golden color is thought to represent financial gain. Often served with black-eyed peas and collard greens, it completes the trio of prosperity-bringing foods. Some recipes include corn kernels, symbolizing golden nuggets. Eating cornbread is believed to attract wealth and good fortune in the coming year.

Herring

In Scandinavian countries, herring is consumed at midnight to bring good fortune. Its silvery color is associated with wealth and prosperity. Pickled herring is a popular preparation, often enjoyed with onions and sour cream. In Germany, it’s believed that eating herring ensures a prosperous year ahead. Many people eat herring during the early hours of the New Year as part of their festive celebrations.

Rice

Rice is a staple in many cultures and is often associated with fertility and abundance. In Asian countries, rice is a symbol of prosperity and is included in various celebratory dishes during the New Year. Its versatility allows it to be prepared in countless ways, from plain steamed rice to elaborate pilafs. Sharing rice during the New Year is believed to foster unity and collective well-being. Eating rice is thought to ensure that the family remains well-fed and financially stable throughout the year.

Dumplings

Dumplings, especially in Chinese culture, are a traditional food believed to bring wealth and prosperity. Their shape resembles ancient Chinese silver and gold ingots, symbolizing financial success. Families often gather to make dumplings together, adding to the festive spirit and unity. Some traditions involve placing a coin inside one of the dumplings; whoever finds it is said to have extra luck in the coming year. Dumplings are often filled with a variety of ingredients, each representing different blessings.

Oranges

Oranges are considered a symbol of wealth and good luck, particularly in Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures. Their golden color and round shape resemble coins, symbolizing prosperity and unity. Oranges are often displayed or gifted during New Year’s celebrations to bring blessings. In some traditions, they are given in pairs to double the luck and abundance. Eating oranges or drinking orange juice is believed to usher in wealth and positivity for the year ahead.

Ring-Shaped Cakes or Pastries

Ring-shaped cakes and pastries, such as doughnuts or bundt cakes, symbolize the completion of a cycle and continuity into the new year. In countries like Greece, Vasilopita—a sweet bread with a hidden coin inside—is prepared to bring good fortune. These desserts are often enjoyed as part of New Year’s festivities, adding a sweet start to the year. Their circular shape is thought to bring unity and harmony. Sharing these treats with family and friends spreads happiness and prosperity.

Sauerkraut

In Germany and other parts of Central Europe, sauerkraut is a traditional New Year’s dish associated with wealth. Its long, shredded strands are thought to symbolize long life and abundance. Sauerkraut is often served alongside pork, enhancing the belief in good fortune and progress. The tangy flavor complements rich dishes, making it a staple during festive meals. Consuming sauerkraut is believed to ensure a prosperous and healthy year ahead.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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