As the New Year 2025 approaches, many cultures around the world celebrate with traditional foods believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness for the coming year. From pulses to fish, these food items symbolize various aspects of wealth, health and good fortune. Whether you’re looking to add a little cultural flavor to your celebrations or just want to try something new, here are some popular New Year foods from around the world that are said to bring good luck.
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Here are 8 global foods that are believed to bring good luck in the new year:
1. Lentils – Italy and Brazil
Lentils are a common food symbolizing prosperity in both Italy and Brazil. The small, round shape of lentils resemble coins, which are said to represent wealth and financial good fortune. In Italy, there is a tradition of eating lentils for good luck at midnight on New Year’s Eve, often served with pork. Similarly, in Brazil, eating lentils on New Year’s Day brings prosperity, with many people also wearing new clothes to invite a fresh start to the year.
2. Fish – Different Countries
Fish are often considered a symbol of abundance, fertility and good luck. In many cultures, fish is a must-have on the New Year’s menu. For example, in Spain, it is common to enjoy a feast with fish such as cod or sardines, which are believed to bring good luck and a prosperous year. Similarly, in Germany, carp is eaten on New Year’s Eve, a symbol of financial growth, there is a tradition of hiding the fish scale in the wallet for the year. In the United States, especially in the South, eating fish (especially fish heads) is considered to bring prosperity as the fish swims forward, symbolizing progress.
3. Noodles – Japan and China
Long noodles are a staple of New Year celebrations in Japan and China, representing longevity and a long, prosperous life. In Japan, toshikoshi soba (buckwheat noodles) is consumed on New Year’s Eve to symbolize the transition from one year to the next. This tradition is based on the belief that long noodles will bring a long and healthy life. In China, long noodles are often served in hot broth as part of New Year celebrations, and are eaten without breaking to ensure good fortune and longevity.
4. Grapes – Spain
In Spain, a unique New Year’s tradition involves eating 12 grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock. It is said that each grape represents a month of the coming year, and eating them is believed to bring good luck throughout those months. This tradition dates back to the early 20th century and is now prevalent in many Spanish-speaking countries as well as parts of the United States, where people of Spanish descent continue the practice for a year full of good fortune.
Also read: New year, new kitchen! 5 ways to upgrade your kitchen and make it aesthetically pleasing
Many people make new eating plans in the New Year
Photo Credit: iStock
5. Pomegranate – Greece and Türkiye
Pomegranates are associated with fertility, prosperity, and rebirth in many cultures. In Greece and Türkiye, it is traditional to throw pomegranates on the ground as the New Year begins. It is believed that the seeds that are scattered bring good luck for the coming year. Apart from this tradition, pomegranate is often eaten during New Year celebrations for its vibrant red color, which symbolizes wealth and good health.
6. Cabbage and Green Vegetables – Southern United States and Germany
In the Southern United States, collard greens are a staple food on New Year’s Day. Green colors symbolize money, as they resemble paper currency, and are believed to bring financial success in the coming year. These are often served with cornbread and black-eyed peas. In Germany, sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) is consumed for similar reasons, as it is believed to bring wealth and good luck.
Also read: 5 Surprising Reasons Why Raw Turmeric Is A New Year’s Morning Ritual
7. Black-Eyed Peas – United States and Africa
A quintessential New Year’s dish in the Southern United States, black-eyed peas are consumed on New Year’s Day to bring good luck and prosperity. Peas are usually cooked with ham or pork and served with cornbread. The tradition is believed to have originated with African slaves, who considered black-eyed peas a symbol of abundance and good luck. This dish is also linked to the Southern belief that peas represent coins, which will bring wealth in the coming year.
8. Rice – Latin America and Asia
Rice is often considered a symbol of abundance and good fortune, and is a common food to celebrate the New Year. In Latin America, especially in countries such as Cuba and Puerto Rico, arroz con frijoles (rice with beans) is served as part of the festivities. Similarly, in Asia, rice is a symbol of prosperity, with Lunar New Year dishes such as rice cakes (like tteokguk in Korea) being eaten for good health and luck.
The food we eat during New Year celebrations is often much more than delicious dishes; They hold deep symbolic meaning in cultures around the world. Whether it’s longevity represented by noodles, wealth represented by pulses, or prosperity represented by pomegranates, these traditions serve to invite positive energy and good fortune in the year ahead.
