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Superstitions are a funny thing. Objectively, you don’t believe in them. Instinctively, you “know better” than to walk under ladders or open your umbrella indoors. But when it comes to ringing in a New Year, many people have emphatic food rituals. Various resolutions aside, here are some New Year’s Day “good luck” food traditions we dug up around the Ellie office.
When I was in Greece, I learned to smash a pomegranate by the front door at midnight on New Year’s Eve. All the seeds represent good fortune. The more seeds there are, the more luck the year will reveal.
– Jen, Director of Marketing
We were surprised how many people mentioned the tradition of eating 12 grapes when the clock strikes midnight. Each grape is said to represent a month in the New Year, so we’re advised to pay close attention to which grapes (months) are sweet or sour.
My family eats soba noodles on New Year’s Day to symbolize longevity. If we eat each noodle in one long slurp it means we’ll live a long, healthy life.
– Laura, Director of Digital
Money also seemed to be a big theme. On the first day of the year, some families traditionally eat foods that resemble money and will therefore bring on financial prosperity. Foods like lentils and black-eyed peas symbolize coins, while greens like kale and cabbage symbolize cold hard cash. On the sweeter side, cornbread is supposed to represent gold and eating it welcomes all kinds of riches. Bring it on!
We wear red panties on New Year’s Eve to ensure romance finds us! I also have friends who pack a bag and walk around the block at midnight to bring on lots of travel in the coming year.
– Courtney, Copywriter
The last one that came up a few times is eating ring-shaped foods like doughnuts or bagels on New Year’s Day. Also along the lines of longevity, this is said to ensure a long year that comes full circle. Plus you get to eat carbs, so sign us up!
Wishing everyone a safe, happy & healthy New Year!
Love,
Ellie