Whether or not you're superstitious, take a look at our list of common celebratory eats. If no luck comes your way, at least you'll go into the new year with a full belly.
1.Long Noodles
In China, Japan and other Asian countries, it’s customary to eat long noodles, signify longevity, on New Year’s Day.
2.Pork
In some countries, including Cuba, Spain, Portugal, Hungary and Austria, pigs symbolize progress.
3.Round Fruits
Though the number of pieces varies by region, eating any round fruit is a common New Year’s tradition. Their shape, which looks like a coin, and their sweetness are the common denominators.
4.Whole Fish
According to Doris Lum, a Chinese cuisine expert, the Chinese word for “fish” sounds like the word for “abundance,” one of the many reasons fish has become a go-to good luck food.
5.Pomegranate
Pomegranates represent good luck for many reasons: Their red color, which represents the human heart, denotes life and fertility; their medicinal properties represent health; and their abundant, round seeds represent prosperity—all things everyone hopes for in any fresh start.
6.Greens
People eat green leafy veggies on New Year’s Day because of their color and appearance, which resembles paper cash. Belief has it, the more you eat, the more prosperous you’ll be (and the healthier, too!).
7.Lentils
When cooked, lentils plump with water, symbolizing growing wealth. Lentils are also considered good luck in Hungary, where they’re preferred in a soup.
8.Pickled Herring
It's believed that eating herring at the stroke of midnight will ensure a year of bounty—as herring are in abundance throughout Western Europe. Also, their silvery color resembles that of coins, a good omen for future fortune.
9.Black-Eyed Peas
Considered good luck due to their penny-like appearance and abundance.
10.Cornbread
A favorite throughout the year. Why? Its color resembles that of gold. To ensure extra luck, some people add extra corn kernels, which are emblematic of golden nuggets.
