Feasting for future fortune

by Krystle Ballatore
The consumption of food usually brings fat, not fortune. But many people believe that that there are lucky foods that can be eaten at the start of the New Year to bring good luck to one’s self.



These foods vary between cultures but, the majority of the foods are similar to each other. The food groups that are believed to bring the most luck are: grapes, greens, fish, pork, legumes, and cakes.

On new years, Spaniards traditionally consume twelve grapes. Each grape represents a different month, so for example, if the fourth grape is sour, April might be a challenging month. The goal is to swallow all of the
grapes before midnight.

Not only are greens healthy for people, but the leaves symbolize money and are thought to bring riches to people as well.

Since the Middle Ages, Fish has been caught and cooked for New Years. Fish is easy to preserve and easy to transport. Germans have been known to keep fish scales in their wallets through out the year for good luck. It is believed that the scales symbolize silver.

Pigs symbolize progress… really, they do. The animal pushes forward, stabilizing itself into the ground before moving. In Cuba, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, and Austria, pig roasting is an important tradition in celebrating the New Year. Germans prefer to pick on pigs as well, but in the form of sausages. The pig tradition also travels to Italy and the United States where people believe due to its rich and fatty content; it will bring wealth and prosperity.

Legumes, such as beans, peas, and lentils also symbolize money. The size and shape of the legumes, after they are cooked are representations of coins.

Baked goods, specifically ring shaped cakes tend to bring the most luck. In many cultures, it is tradition to hide a prize in one of the baked goods, and the person who finds the prize will have great luck in the New Year.

So, after going to the grocery store and gathering lucky foods to ensure a safe and happy upcoming year, do not forget to double check that you are not purchasing any foods that will jeopardize your luck.

Lobster, for instance, is an unlucky food because lobsters move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks and failures. Chicken is also discouraged because the bird scratches backwards, which could cause regret or dwelling on the past. Also, eating any bird is not a good idea because good luck could fly away.

To start a new, successful beginning, eat as many lucky foods as possible, and definitely try to avioid the unfortunate foods.