Happy 2023! We all have our New Year traditions. For many people, that means making New Year's resolutions. But there's another tradition practiced by people around the world: eating a variety of good-luck foods on January 1.
Certain foods, like noodles, cabbage, and lentils, symbolize good fortune in the new year. If you drank bubbly and ate sweet treats on New Year's Eve, start 2023 off right with these New Year's good-luck foods. They all promise wealth, prosperity and good fortune in the coming year. Who doesn’t want that?
Greens
The color green symbolizes luck — think about four-leaf clovers, dollar bills, and jade jewelry. As if that's not enough, eating a plate full of greens (kale, green beans, and brussel sprouts) will start your year off on a healthy note.
Noodles
In many Asian countries, people eat long noodles on New Year's Day to lengthen their life. One catch: You can't break the noodle from your plate to your mouth.
Cabbage
In Germany, Ireland, and parts of the United States, cabbage is associated with luck and fortune since its green hue resembles money. Purple cabbage, however, is just for show ... but just as versatile.
Fish
In some countries, people associate fish with the new year since they swim in one direction — forward. Others, however, think fish symbolize abundance since they swim in schools. You can't go wrong with either.
Lentils
Thought to resemble coins, lentils are eaten throughout Italy on New Year's Day to bring good fortune in the year ahead.
Pomegranates
Long associated with abundance and fertility, pomegranates are eaten in Turkey and other Mediterranean countries as a sign of good luck. It doesn't hurt that this jewel-toned fruit is in its prime come January.
Black-Eyed Peas
Considered a common good-luck food in the South, black-eyed peas are thought to bring prosperity, especially when served on a bed of collard greens.