It’s always interesting to hear people’s traditions, and even superstitions on how to bring luck for a new year. Food plays a big role for many bringing in the New Year!
Here are some of the most interesting customs:
Eat twelve grapes – one for each chime of the clock. Make a wish for each grape.
Eating black eyed peas or other legume – their small appearance is said to resemble coins, and they swell when cooked so they symbolize growing wealth.
Eating kale, cabbage or turnip greens – greens are said to represent money/economic fortune.
Pork is said to symbolize progress because the animal pushes forward, rooting itself in the ground.
Fish is eaten often as they swim forward, hence your year will progress. Others think fish symbolize abundance since they swim in schools/groups.
Corn bread: Since corn is golden in color, many feel it means plenty of gold/money in the future.
Cakes or donuts – things that are ring shaped to symbolize going full circle.
Noodles – long noodles are said to bring a long life. Also an Asian custom are egg or spring rolls as they represent gold bars.Don’t eat lobster as they crawl backwards and you want to look forward to a new year, not have set backs or dwell on the past.
Chicken is discouraged because they scratch backwards which could have the same affect as the lobster.
Beef – cows stand still to eat so you may be stuck in a rut for the new year.Whatever you eat, we hope you are spending time with family and friends.