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Published 10:36 IST, December 24th 2023

Bring luck and prosperity in your house by eating these foods during new year celebrations

These "lucky foods" often have symbolic meanings tied to wealth, abundance, and good fortune. Here are some auspicious foods that people consume.

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Grapes are considered lucky
Grapes are considered lucky | Image: Unsplash

As the new year approaches, many cultures around the world embrace the tradition of consuming specific foods believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and positive energy into the coming year. These ‘lucky foods’ often have symbolic meanings tied to wealth, abundance, and good fortune. Here are some auspicious foods that people around the world consume during new year's celebration for a dose of good luck.

Round fruits

In various cultures, round fruits symbolise fullness and wealth, resembling coins that signify prosperity. Common choices include oranges, apples, grapes, and pomegranates. The Philippines, for example, has a tradition of displaying 13 different round fruits to represent each month of the year.

Round fruits | Image: Unsplash

Legumes

Lentils, beans, and peas are considered lucky in many cultures due to their coin-like appearance and the belief that they represent wealth and economic stability. In Italy, it's customary to eat lentils with pork on New Year's Day to attract prosperity.

Greens

Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and cabbage are associated with financial success and are believed to bring good fortune in the coming year. Their green colour is reminiscent of money, and they signify growth and abundance.

Fish

Fish are seen as a symbol of abundance and prosperity in several cultures. In Chinese tradition, whole fish represents surplus and wealth. The word for fish, "yu," sounds like the word for abundance, making it a popular dish for New Year's celebrations.

Whole fish | Image: Unsplash

Noodles

Long noodles are a symbol of longevity and are often eaten on New Year's to bring a long and prosperous life. In Chinese culture, it's customary not to cut the noodles, as this could symbolise cutting short one's life.

Rice

It is a staple in many cultures and is associated with fertility, wealth, and good fortune. In some traditions, throwing rice during New Year's celebrations is believed to bring prosperity and abundance.

Grapes

Remember that episode in Modern Family where Gloria insists on getting grapes for new year celebrations? In Spain and some Latin American countries, it's a tradition to eat twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight, each grape representing good luck for each month of the coming year.

While these lucky foods are enjoyed for their symbolic meanings, the most important aspect of New Year's celebrations is sharing meals with loved ones and setting positive intentions for the year ahead. Eating, sharing food and joy together, as a family, makes your new year magical.

Updated 15:07 IST, December 28th 2023