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New Year brings a new hope for many. It is always considered the start of a new journey and gives a chance to set new goals and embrace new opportunities. On this auspicious beginning, several cultures across the world get involved in several rituals and traditions to open the way for good luck, prosperity and happiness for the year.
Among all the rituals and superstitions, some of the most fascinating customs are associated with foods that are known to bring good luck. According to certain New Year's superstitions, one can increase their chances of good fortune by eating the correct meals at the start of the year and avoiding the incorrect ones. From long noodles symbolising longevity to round fruits representing wealth, these New Year lucky foods have rich cultural significance and are cherished elements of celebrations worldwide.
From Germany to India, different cultures worldwide have their way of starting the new year with auspicious foods. Discover how every culture makes the new year a bit lucky with these 10 lucky foods around the world.
Japanese Long Noodles
Believed to bring a long life, Japanese Long soba noodles, also called “Toshikoshi Soba” symbolise longevity. Eaten with a long slurp without breaking in between, these noodles signify the smooth transition from the old year to the new.
Black-eyed Peas From the Southern United States
Thought to represent coins, the Black-eyed Peas are associated with good luck and financial prosperity for the new year. These peas are boiled and mostly eaten with something green to represent currency. This custom is particularly popular in states like Georgia and Alabama.
Grapes - Spain and Latin America
A beloved custom in Spain and many Latin American nations is to eat twelve grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve. It is said that eating grapes quickly as the clock strikes twelve will bring success and wealth for each month, with each grape representing a month in the future year.
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Lentils From India
Lentils are the legume-focused New Year's ritual in India, akin to black-eyed peas in America. It is believed that they will provide financial support because of their coin-like design. Even though the Indian New Year begins later in April, this tradition of celebrating the new year with the world has been quite popular in Indian households.
Cake - Greece and Mexico
Vasilopita from Greece is a special New Year’s Eve cake which contains a hidden coin inside it. A similar tradition is also found in Mexico with the Three Kings cake or Rosca de Reyes, which hides small figures inside it. Those who have these hidden objects in their pieces are thought to be lucky all around the year.
Pomegranates - Greece
In another New Year food custom in Greece, pomegranate is smashed on the floor during New Year's celebration. The seeds in the fruit are associated with luck, and scattering them on the floor symbolises prosperity and fertility for the coming year.
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Fish - China
Fishes hold a significant place in the Chinese New Year celebrations. They symbolise surplus wealth and abundance for the coming year. Serving whole fish dishes on the New Year menu represents unity and abundance. It is a custom not to finish the fish to ensure excessive supplies remain for the year.
These fascinating New Year Food Customs are an exciting way to begin the New Year with something enchanting. For readers wishing to make way for newer opportunities, beginning a new journey with a full tummy is best. As Food always brings happiness, these New Year customs make it more exciting.
