Global New Year's Food Traditions for Luck and Prosperity

Who wouldn't want a bowl of that lucky charm?

BY STAFF @the Brimly Test Kitchen

January 8, 2024

Image Source/Editors @ Brimly

4 minute Read

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Across the globe, every New Year's dish holds a secret wish – a spoonful for luck, a bite for prosperity.

As the last of the New Year's confetti is swept away and life returns to its regular rhythm, it's the perfect moment to reflect on how cultures around the world mark this annual renewal with unique and flavorful traditions. From the bustling streets of Spain to the serene homes in Japan, each dish tells a story of hope, celebration, and the universal language of food. Let's explore the fantastic foods and see how they connect with the traditions and beliefs of various cultures.

Grapes in Spain: Let's start with Spain. Have you ever thought about gobbling down 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight? That's exactly what the Spaniards do! Each grape represents good luck for the months ahead. It's not just about eating grapes but syncing each one with the bell tolls – a fun, albeit challenging, way to welcome the New Year!

Lentils in Italy: Moving to Italy, where New Year's Eve is all about lentils. Why lentils, you ask? These tiny, coin-shaped legumes symbolize wealth and prosperity. It's like saying, "Hey, I'm ready to cash in on some good fortune this year!" Now, who wouldn't want a bowl of that lucky charm?

Black-Eyed Peas in the Southern U.S.: Down South in the U.S., black-eyed peas are the star of New Year's Day. Paired with collard greens and cornbread, this meal is a trifecta of prosperity, wealth, and gold. It's a hearty, soulful way to kick off the year.

Osechi Ryori in Japan: Japan takes the New Year's feast to a whole new level with Osechi Ryori. This isn't just a meal; it's a collection of symbolic dishes, each representing wishes for the coming year – think good health, happiness, and longevity. Talk about a meal that's both meaningful and mouth-watering!

Tteokguk in South Korea: In South Korea, Tteokguk, a soup with thinly sliced rice cakes, is the New Year's Day staple. Eating Tteokguk is believed to bring good luck and even add a year to your age. A delicious way to get wiser, right?

Soba Noodles in Japan: Back to Japan for a moment. Toshikoshi soba, long buckwheat noodles, are the go-to on New Year's Eve. They symbolize a smooth transition into the New Year and are all about longevity and prosperity. Slurping into the New Year, anyone?

Pickled Herring in Scandinavia: Last but not least, Scandinavia's midnight snack of choice is pickled herring. The silver color of the herring is seen as a precursor of fortune and wealth. It's like saying, "Let's fish for some fortune this year!"

Our round-up is:

So, there you have it – a whirlwind tour of New Year's food traditions from around the world. These aren't just meals; they're a reminder of how food intertwines with culture, hope, and celebration. As we step into the rest of the year, let's carry with us the spirit of these traditions – who knows, maybe a bit of their luck, too!