Lucky Foods to Enjoy in 2023
With a new year coming in hot, why not make sure it’s a good one with a little luck? Many cultures have traditions of enjoying certain foods in the new year for good luck. Sphinx Date Co. takes a look at some traditional ‘lucky’ foods in various cultures, and how to enjoy them.
Hoppin’ John — A longtime tradition in the South, Hoppin’ John, a dish of black-eyed peas, has been made and enjoyed for good luck on New Year’s Day for more than 1,500 years, according to Better Homes & Gardens. Eaten for good fortune in the year ahead, Hoppin’ John is typically made with ham hock, celery, onion, bell pepper, rice, cooked collard greens and Cajun seasoning.
Long Noodles — In the Chinese New Year, long noodles are synonymous for a long and prosperous life. Soba noodles are the version typically enjoyed due to their extra-long nature. Take caution not to break the noodles before they are enjoyed!
Pork — Pork dishes have long been enjoyed as part of a meal to ensure prosperity as well as good health and luck. In an article on Today.com, Adrian Miler, the Soul Food Scholar, says that pork has become synonymous with luck “because pigs root forward with their snout and feet (or) hooves.”
Pomegranates — Rather than toasting champagne at midnight, why not smash a pomegranate! According to Better Homes and Gardens, in Greece, families crush a pomegranate on the threshold of their home at the start of the New Year in the name of good luck.
Whole Fish — In Asian cultures, fish as considered to be lucky because they swim forward and represent abundance Miller told Today. Fish are also believed to represent abundance, wellbeing and prosperity in Chinese cultures.
Grapes (12, to be exact) — In Spanish and Latin cultures, 12 grapes are eaten at midnight – one for each chime of the clock and representing each month of the year, in the name of good luck. So make sure to have a bunch of fresh grapes on hand at midnight this New Year’s Eve!
Ring-like Sweets — “Ring” in the New Year with circular sweets like a bundt cake or even donuts, which are said to be enjoyed as a symbolic nod (or nosh!) to the year coming full circle. Before the New Year arrives, stock up on these ‘lucky’ foods. Sphinx Date Co. wishes everyone a healthy, prosperous and very lucky 2023!