Journalism of Courage
Cultures across the world believe in consuming different food items on the New Year's Eve and the next day, for wealth, prosperity and good fortune. Let us have a look at different customary food items, which are considered to bring good luck to the eater. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
Long noodles: It is customary to eat long noodles in places like Hong Kong, Japan and some other Asian countries. It is believed that these noodles signify longevity. The tradition is to not break or shorten them while cooking or eating. The length of the noodles are also symbolic of the eater's life. These can either be fried and served on a plate, or boiled and served in a bowl with the broth. Also, it has to be consumed without chewing, so as to bring luck, happiness and long life in the new year. Some more foods items are considered to be lucky for New Year's in China: fish, dumplings, spring rolls, etc., are among them. (Source: Hong Kong Tourism)
Black-eyed peas: They are considered lucky in the southern United states because of it's penny-like appearance. Not to be confused with green peas , black-eyed peas are in fact a variety of beans. There are various theories on why black–eyed peas have come to symbolize good luck. In America, the prevailing folklore dates back to the Civil War-era when black–eyed peas were used to feed grazing cattle. During the Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi in the late spring of 1863, the town was cut off from all food supplies for nearly two months. The people were close to starvation and resorted to eating the crops previously reserved for feeding their livestock. Many people wouldn't have survived without it. Anyway, those folks created one tasty tradition! (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
Grapes: In countries like Spain, Portugal, and their former colonies including Cuba, Mexico and Peru, people eat 12 grapes at midnight. The grapes are to be eaten before the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve. Each of the grapes represents the months of the coming year. Some believe that the grapes can predict trends in the upcoming year. For example, if the fourth grape eaten is sour, the fourth month (April) might be difficult. The sweetness of each grape will determine how good that particular month will be. In Peru, they insist on eating a 13th grape as good measure. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
Pomegranate: People in Turkey eat pomegranate, which represents good luck, for a number of reasons. Its red colour represents life and fertility and the round seeds prosperity. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
Lentils: Although Lentils seem 'un-festive', in Italy, it's eaten after midnight. A particular dish called Cotechini Con Lenticchie, which is a mix of lentils and sausages, is prepared on the New Year's Eve. Italians eat lentils as they consider it would bring wealth and prosperity as lentils resemble tiny coins! Moreover, lentils are known to become plump when soaked and cooked in water, which signifies increasing wealth. The dish is generally eaten along with pork and sausages. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
Corn breads: It is venerated as a New Year's treat in the southern United States as it's colour resembles that of gold. Nothing soaks up pork tenderloin better than a cornbread. To ensure extra luck, some people add corn kernels, which is a symbolic of golden nuggets. Consuming it makes one even richer, according to the southern tradition. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
Tangerines and Oranges: Two of the most common symbols of Chinese New year are Tangerines and Oranges. Tangerines represent wealth, and Oranges are said to bring good luck. Given their plentiful harvest during this time of the year, these citrus fruits also signify abundance and happiness. Also, the bright, vibrant orange colour is associated with good fortune. During Chinese New Year, these fruits are displayed as decorations and are also exchanged among friends and acquaintances. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
Coutinho points out that sugar is the number one killer of immunity. It suppress immunity in kids as well as adults. “ Other than sugar, any processed food tends to be the biggest enemy your child’s health ,” he said. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
Fish: it is considered to be one of the luckiest foods for the New Year's eve. It is believed in many cultures that the silvery and shiny fish brings good luck, wealth and prosperity. Also, Fishes are known to lay many eggs which signify abundance. Hence you may find many people enjoying this seafood during New Year. It is a thousands year old tradition, especially in cultures close to water. Today, not only it symbolizes good fortune, but also makes a great New Year’s appetizer. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
Pork: In some countries, mainly Cuba, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary and Austria, Pigs symbolize progress. According to some theorists, while chickens and turkeys scratch backward, a pig buries his snout into the ground and moves forward— the same direction you want to head in the New Year. Naturally, pork, with its rich, delicious fattiness symbolizes wealth and prosperity. And it's not limited to pork, but also foods shaped like pigs, such as cut-out cookies, count too. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
Leafy greens: A lot of cultures from the United States to Europe, consider Green vegetables, a symbolic of wealth and prosperity. People eat green leafy veggies including kale, spinach, collards and cabbage on New Year’s Day because of their colour and appearance, which resembles paper cash. They believe "the more they eat, the more prosperous and healthy they’ll be". In addition to it, according to some traditions rooted in the South, greens can be hung on the door to ward off any evil spirits that may come their way. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
