Can you believe it? Another year has flown by, and here we are, saying goodbye to 2024. What a year! What a whirlwind it’s been! From rising inflation to unpredictable weather and an overwhelming (royal) news cycle, 2024 certainly kept us on our toes. But amidst the challenges, there were moments of joy—feel-good news stories, vibrant local events, and personal achievements that made the year memorable.
As we ring in 2025, the New Year offers a perfect opportunity to reset and start fresh. It’s the time for New Year’s resolutions, setting meaningful goals, and hoping for a brighter, more prosperous year ahead. And if you’re looking for ways to bring good luck and positive energy into your life, here’s a fun fact: the foods you eat on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day can play a role in attracting health, wealth, and happiness.
Across cultures and traditions, certain dishes are believed to bring good fortune for the New Year. Whether you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party or planning a cosy New Year’s Day meal, incorporating these symbolic foods into your menu is a delicious way to embrace the promise of 2025 and invite success into your life. Here’s a guide to the best lucky foods to eat on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day for health, wealth, and happiness.
Grapes for Prosperity
A tradition in Spain and Latin America, eating 12 grapes at midnight symbolizes luck for each month of the year. Sweet grapes predict smooth sailing, while sour ones might signal challenges. Pair them with a sparkling drink for a fun, symbolic toast to prosperity.
Noodles for Longevity
Long noodles, such as soba in Japan or lo mein in China, are enjoyed as a symbol of long life and good health. The idea is simple: the longer the noodle, the longer and more prosperous your life will be. Eating them without breaking them is considered good luck, so slurping is not only allowed but encouraged! Whether you prepare them in a savoury broth or stir-fry them with vegetables and protein, noodles are a versatile and delicious addition to your New Year’s celebration.
Black-Eye Peas for Luck
A staple in Southern U.S. New Year’s traditions, black-eyed peas are believed to symbolise coins, representing financial prosperity. Often served alongside collard greens (symbolising paper notes) and golden cornbread, they create a trio of wealth-attracting dishes. This hearty dish, known as “Hoppin’ John,” is thought to bring abundance and security for the year ahead. For a twist, spice it up with smoked ham or a splash of hot sauce to add warmth and flavour to the tradition.
Fish for abundance
Fish has long been associated with abundance, progress, and good fortune. The shimmering scales are thought to resemble coins, while the fish’s forward swimming motion represents continuous growth and movement towards success. Serving a whole fish, particularly baked or steamed, is a popular tradition in many cultures, especially in Asia. To increase its symbolism, some traditions recommend keeping the fish’s head and tail intact. This is to signify a complete and successful year from start to finish.
Dumplings for wealth
In Chinese culture, dumplings are shaped like gold ingots, making them a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Making dumplings with family is not only a fun bonding activity but also a meaningful way to start the year. For an extra dose of good fortune, some families hide a coin in one of the dumplings. The person who finds it is believed to have an especially lucky year. Fill dumplings with a variety of meats, vegetables, or even sweet fillings to suit your taste. a coin in one of them for extra fun—the lucky person who finds it is said to have a particularly fortunate year ahead.
Green Vegetables for Wealth
“Eat your greens,” they said, and honestly, they weren’t wrong. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens aren’t just nutrient-packed—they’re also believed to bring wealth and financial success. Their resemblance to folded banknotes makes every bite a delicious nod to prosperity.
Delicious and symbolic? Count me in.
Whether you sauté them with garlic, toss them into a fresh salad, or simmer them with spices, greens are endlessly versatile. Add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon for a tangy twist that’ll brighten the flavour. This New Year, eat your greens—not just because they’re good for you, but because they might just help you thrive in more ways than one!
So now, as you get ready to say “cheerio” to 2024, whether you’re out dancing the night away or curled up on the sofa in your fluffiest socks, remember this: your New Year’s Eve feast isn’t just fuel for the party (or the Netflix marathon). It’s a celebration of hope, tradition, and maybe even a little bit of luck served up on a plate. From rituals that promise prosperity to bites that symbolise longevity, these traditions show us that fortune isn’t just something that happens. It’s something we can savour, one delicious bite at a time. So, whether you’re feasting with a crowd or nibbling solo on your favourite snacks, let each mouthful carry a wish for the year to come.
Here’s to stepping into 2025 with joy in our hearts, laughter on our lips, and plates piled high with good vibes. May your meals be memorable, your luck plentiful, and your resolutions… totally negotiable.
Happy New Year!