Did you know that many food items, from lentils to fish, are considered symbols of wealth and good health? If you too want to include some 'good luck' in your New Year's meal, here are 8 popular foods from around the world that are known to bring good fortune.

Fish
Fish is considered a symbol of abundance and good fortune worldwide. In Spain, people feast on fish like cod or sardines on New Year's Day to ensure prosperity throughout the year. In Germany, people eat carp on New Year's Eve. An interesting tradition is that people keep a fish scale in their wallet all year round for financial prosperity. Additionally, especially in South America, eating fish is considered auspicious because fish always swim forward, symbolizing progress in life.

Grapes
In Spain, there's a very unique New Year's tradition. At midnight, one grape is eaten with each chime of the clock, a total of 12 grapes. Each grape represents one month of the coming year. It is believed that doing this brings good luck for all twelve months of the year. This tradition is now also celebrated in many Spanish-speaking countries, including the United States.

Cabbage and Greens
Green leafy vegetables resemble banknotes, so they are associated with financial success. This is why eating collard greens on New Year's Day is considered very important in the Southern United States. It is often served with cornbread and black-eyed peas. In Germany, sauerkraut is eaten for the same reason: to attract wealth and good fortune.

Rice
Rice is also considered a symbol of abundance and good fortune. In Latin America, "Arroz con Frijoles" (rice and beans) is served as a celebratory dish. In countries like Korea, rice cakes are eaten on the Lunar New Year for good health and luck. Lentils
In Italy and Brazil, lentils are considered a symbol of prosperity. This is because the small, round shape of the lentils resembles coins, representing wealth and financial gain. In these countries, it's a tradition to eat lentils at midnight on New Year's Eve, often served with pork. In Brazil, eating lentils on New Year's Day is also believed to bring prosperity. People also wear new clothes for a fresh start.

Noodles
In Japan and China, long noodles are associated with longevity and a prosperous life. In Japan, "Toshikoshi Soba" (buckwheat noodles) are eaten on New Year's Eve. This symbolizes the transition from one year to the next and is believed to bring a long and healthy life. In China, noodles are served in a hot soup. Care is taken not to break the noodles while eating them, to ensure good fortune and a long life.

Black-Eyed Peas
In the Southern United States, eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is an important tradition. They are typically cooked with pork. This tradition originated in African countries, where it were considered a symbol of abundance and good fortune. It is also believed that these peas represent coins, bringing wealth in the coming year.

Pomegranates
Pomegranates are considered a symbol of fertility and prosperity in many cultures. In Greece and Turkey, there is a tradition of smashing a pomegranate on the ground as the new year begins. It is believed that the further the seeds scatter, the luckier the coming year will be. Its red color is also considered a symbol of wealth and good health.

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