The holiday season is full of long-standing traditions, but our favorites always tend to center around eating. No matter where you're from, many people believe what you do on January 1 can set the tone for the entire year to come. While we can't confirm whether picking a four-leaf clover or hanging a spider ornament on our tree brings good luck, we can all agree clinking glasses to the New Year on a full stomach is a lucky way to start the next 365 days.
People from around the world partake in traditional foods as the clock strikes midnight, hoping to usher in good luck and fortune for the new year. Reflecting on the past year and making those resolutions is often paired with these edible customs. Here are some tasty traditions from around the globe to bring good fortune and flavor as you ring in your luckiest year yet.
1. Down Donuts for the New Year
Ring-shaped foods symbolize the year coming full circle. For your New Year's breakfast, indulge in a tasty Bundt cake or, if you prefer something smaller, the classic donut. And if you’re trying to be healthier, why not make a baked version instead of frying them?
2. Make Black-Eyed Peas for Southern Superstition
If you're celebrating the New Year in the South, chances are you're serving black-eyed peas. These little legumes not only pack nutrients but are also considered to bring luck for the year to come.
3. Twirl Soba Noodles for Longevity
The superstition goes: the longer the noodle, the longer the life. Traditionally slurped during Lunar New Year, soba noodles symbolize longevity, so you might want to keep them intact as you enjoy your meal!
4. Look to Pork for Prosperity
If wealth and prosperity are on your wish list for the new year, pork could be the answer. Ringing in 2023 with pork carnitas, seasoned with spices like cumin and paprika, is sure to send those good vibes your way.
5. Smash Pomegranates for Good Fortune
Pomegranates are good luck to the Greeks, but instead of eating them, families crush this sweet fruit on their doorsteps as the new year begins. Of course, you can add pomegranate juice to your midnight toast!
6. Break a Wishbone for Luck
You might find fighting over the wishbone almost as traditional as the bone itself! Ancient Romans treated chickens as predictors of the future, and the wishbone ritual can bring about equal sharing of luck for its participants.
7. Eat Lentils for Prosperity and Success
Lentils symbolize expansion and prosperity as they soak and swell when cooked. A hearty bowl of lentil soup can help fulfill those New Year's resolutions any time during winter.
8. Cook Whole Fish for Wholesome Months Ahead
Legend says eating whole fish—head, tail, and all—guarantees good fortune. If you don’t feel comfortable preparing one, go for oven-baked fish instead for good luck!
9. Crack Fortune Cookies for Well Wishes
Nothing says encouragement like fortune cookies filled with messages of luck and prosperity. This simple treat can spread goodwill to your family and friends as you celebrate.
10. Sauté Sauerkraut for Longevity, Luck, and Money
According to the Pennsylvania Dutch, sauerkraut symbolizes long life and prosperity. You might want to cook extra—wish for as much luck as you have cabbage strands!
11. Cook Herring for a Bountiful Year
Serving herring at midnight is customary in European countries like Norway and Sweden, symbolizing bounty and prosperity. Its silver scales are believed to resemble coins!
12. Snack on Grapes for Each Month
Spanish traditions call for eating 12 grapes at midnight, one for each month of the year. This fun and sweet custom can continue with other desserts involving grapes!
13. Cook Collard Greens for Prosperity
The sunshine-green leaves of collard greens symbolize paper money. Pair them with black-eyed peas and cornbread for the ultimate New Year's feast!
14. Bake Soft Pretzels for Good Luck
Hard pretzels are quintessential for New Year's celebrations in Germany, believed to bring good luck. You can enjoy these warm, salty snacks either plain or with dips.
15. Make Tamales for Family Prosperity
Finally, tamales, often prepared as family meals during the holidays, symbolize family unity and prosperity. Gather your loved ones and enjoy making these delicious treats together!
Start your New Year right by embracing these traditions and pairing them with your own culinary flair.