New Year’s Traditions Around The World

We mentioned eating pickled herring as a New Year’s tradition that brings good luck. If you’re not big on fish, there are many other foods that are symbolic of good things to come in the coming year.

Black Eyed Peas – they’re said to bring prosperity in the New Year. They’re often served in a traditional southern dish known as Hoppin’ John. Sometimes the kids hop around the table during this tradition.

Buttered Bread – It’s an Irish tradition, when placed outside the door symbolizes a home without hunger for the year to come.

Grapes/Raisins – a Spanish tradition says 12 grapes or raisins at midnight, one for each chime of the clock will bring good luck for the next 12 months.

Greens – especially kale, spinach and collards, because of their dark green color, the same color as money, bring wealth and health in the New Year. A sprig of parsley on your plate will also do.

Any kind of pork – because pigs forage for food, always moving forward, pork symbolizes the challenges and adventures in the coming year.

Long noodles – spaghetti would probably do. In Asian culture unbroken noodles are believed to bring good health and good luck in the New Year. The one who can eat one long noodle without chewing it or breaking it will have the longest life and best luck.

Lentils – Italians say eating lentils on New Year’s Eve brings wealth in the coming year.

Cornbread – Southern culture says because its color is the same as gold, cornbread insures a prosperous year ahead.

Round Foods – cakes, cookies, pastries, round fruits symbolize that the old year has come to a close and the New Year promises a fresh start.

Whole fish – In Chinese culture a whole fish including the head and tail symbolizes prosperity and abundance in the New Year.