What are lucky foods for new year’s day? As we all know, New Year’s is one of the biggest party holidays of the year. Bars and restaurants all around the world are already preparing for the occasion.
Some people in the States will go to countdown parties at places like Times Square in New York, or the party capital of the world, Las Vegas. Other people prefer to have quiet celebrations, opting for their own private New Year’s party at home.
Preparing for these parties involves having a menu that will not only please guests but also bring about good fortune for the upcoming New Year.
But what about the day after the party, the first day of the new year? There are many traditions that recommend you eat particular foods to bring luck and prosperity in the new year.
6 Lucky Foods for New Years Day
Whether you believe it or not, having a tradition to serve lucky foods on New Year’s Day can be a lot of fun.
Lucky Food #1: Black eyed peas
Black-eyed peas eaten with dark greens or stewed tomatoes represent wealth and health. In some areas monetary values are assigned with the black eyed peas, representing up to a dollar each. The greens representing anywhere from one to a thousand dollars. This is a healthy dish, so if nothing else you’ll start the year on a good note, diet-wise.
Lucky Food #2: Hoppin’ John
Another variant of the black eyed peas tradition is called “Hoppin’ John.” In the southern United States, eating Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day is thought to bring a lucky year and good fortune, as the ingredients in this dish are considered frugal. Here’s a great Hoppin’ John recipe.
Lucky Food #3: Grapes
Spaniards have a tradition dating back to the early 1900′ where they consume 12 grapes at midnight, signifying the 12 months of the year. If any of the grapes are sour, that particular month it signifies could be a rocky one.
Lucky Food #4: Cooked greens
Greens such as cabbage, kale, chard, and collard greens are consumed around the world to bring good economic fortune. The tradition is simple: the more greens you eat on New Year’s, the more money you will have in the new year. Another healthy tradition!
Lucky Food #5: Fish
While many think that the Japanese eat fish simply as part of a good diet, there is also a symbolic reason behind the consumption of fish on New Year’s. Shrimp is consumed for long life, herring roe is symbolic of fertility, and dried sardines are used to bring about a good harvest (in the past, dried sardines were actually used as fertilizer for rice fields).
Lucky Food #6: Pork and sauerkraut
Apparently there is also a pork and sauerkraut tradition. I had no idea!
6 Best Lucky Foods for New Year’s Day
Ingredients
- Black eyed peas
- Hoppin’ John
- Grapes
- Cooked greens
- Fish
- Pork and sauerkraut
Instructions
- Black eyed peas: Black-eyed peas eaten with dark greens or stewed tomatoes represent wealth and health. In some areas monetary values are assigned with the black eyed peas, representing up to a dollar each. The greens representing anywhere from one to a thousand dollars. This is a healthy dish, so if nothing else you’ll start the year on a good note, diet-wise.
- Hoppin’ John: Another variant of the black eyed peas tradition is called “Hoppin’ John.” In the southern United States, eating Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day is thought to bring a lucky year and good fortune, as the ingredients in this dish are considered frugal. Here’s a great Hoppin’ John recipe.
- Grapes: Spaniards have a tradition dating back to the early 1900′ where they consume 12 grapes at midnight, signifying the 12 months of the year. If any of the grapes are sour, that particular month it signifies could be a rocky one.
- Cooked greens: Greens such as cabbage, kale, chard, and collard greens are consumed around the world to bring good economic fortune. The tradition is simple: the more greens you eat on New Year’s, the more money you will have in the new year. Another healthy tradition!
- Fish: While many think that the Japanese eat fish simply as part of a good diet, there is also a symbolic reason behind the consumption of fish on New Year’s. Shrimp is consumed for long life, herring roe is symbolic of fertility, and dried sardines are used to bring about a good harvest (in the past, dried sardines were actually used as fertilizer for rice fields).
- Pork and sauerkraut: Apparently there is also a pork and sauerkraut tradition. I had no idea!
We all could use a little luck heading into the new year, so trying out a few of the lucky foods above couldn’t hurt. Have a fantastic New Year!
This content was originally posted on FearlessFresh.com.