Traditional New Year’s Eve foods that bring good luck

Pigs Are a Sign of Good Luck in Austria and Hungary. In Austria, pigs are considered to be a symbol of progress and good luck, and pork is generally consumed on New Year’s. In addition, the table is often decorated with miniature pig replicas that are composed of chocolate or marzipan. Once the main course has been served, green peppermint ice cream in the shape of a four-leaf clover is often served. These two items are also very popular in Hungary, where according to the article “Lucky New Year Foods from Central and Eastern Europe,” one of the luckiest dishes that can be offered there is a pig that is served with a four-leaf clover in its mouth.

Lentils as a Sign of Wealth and Good Fortune

In many places, including Hungary, Brazil, and the United States, lentils serve as a sign of good fortune. Because of their roundish shape, they are often associated with coins and are used as a symbol of wealth. In fact, Rachael Ray, the host of a popular American cooking show offers a recipe on her website entitled “New Year Lucky Lentils and Hot Sausages.” This goes hand-in-hand with the tradition in much of the southern US that eating black-eyed peas is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Grapes Form Part of a Popular Tradition in Spain and Portugal

In Spain and Portugal, the New Year’s tradition is to eat twelve grapes. The grapes are eaten as the clock strikes midnight, one grape for each chime of the clock. Consuming the grapes is meant to be a sign of twelve good months to follow. According to the New Year’s traditions described on the Father Time’s website, this tradition is so popular that public events, such as movies, are often interrupted in order to allow everyone to take part.

Bread and Donuts are Popular in Poland and the Netherlands

Bread and donuts, especially those which are formed in the shape of a circle or a ring, are very popular in parts of Europe, including Poland and the Netherlands. The shape is intended to represent continuity and indicates that the previous year has come “full circle.”