5 International Foods That Are Believed to Bring Good Luck

Did you know that food has a significant impact on your mood and your overall level of happiness? That is why so many people believe that specific types of food bring good luck.  This belief comes from cultural traditions all over the world and previous practices. 

It is not a surprise that in ancient times, people thought that certain foods could protect humans from evil or create a sense of hope and positivity. Many things have changed afterward, but you might still hear that certain fruits like tangerines and oranges are considered lucky. This is not to mention the fact that in Europe, pork symbolizes progress, and leafy greens are associated with wealth and prosperity. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some foods around the world that are associated with bringing good luck and opulence.

1. Grapes

Can you believe that the health benefits of grapes are the reason why it’s one of the most common fruits that’s associated with good luck? Yes, grapes are not only delicious food but they are rich in nutrients and high in antioxidants. These benefits become a part of cultural symbolism in Latin countries like Spain and Portugal and today, they believe that grapes are a positive symbol of prosperity — they represent an idea of having plenty of something. 

Interestingly, in Spain and Latin America, eating grapes has even become a tradition and now people eat 12 grapes, right before New Year’s Eve in order to experience luck. But this tradition isn’t only related to the New Year’s Eve dining table. In fact, some online gaming enthusiasts see grapes as a lucky symbol when they appear in casino games. So, if you encounter grapes paired with a bitcoin casino no deposit bonus while playing online slots, consider this a lucky sign.

2. Fish

Speaking of New Year’s Eve, another food that’s considered lucky on that day is fish, this time in Chinese culture. As Chinese people believe, in order to bring prosperity, fish should be served whole. In this culture, people commonly use it for the Lunar New Year to bring wealth and happiness for the coming year. 

In general, the silvery and shiny fish symbolize good luck and well-being. Another symbolic element when it comes to fish in Chinese culture is its eggs which also represent abundance. 

Fish tradition counts thousands of years, namely, in cultures close to water. Undoubtedly, among many foods, fish takes a distinguished place as a sign of fortune and affluence, while being the best appetizer for their New Year, which is on January 23rd. 

3. Long Noodles

One more lucky food in Chinese culture, as well as in Japan and the entire Southeast Asia, is long noodles. Eating long noodles during celebrations, such as on birthdays, is a way to wish for a long and healthy life. 

As a matter of fact, the unbroken length of the noodles signifies unbroken good fortune and endless prosperity. That is why it is served whole — noodles are meant to be eaten without cutting if you really want them to bring prosperity. Therefore, sharing a noodles meal in these Southeast Asian cultures often brings families together and helps them focus on unity and positivity. 

Noodles can be prepared in various ways, such as fried or boiled, and served on a plate. Believe it or not, people who believe this superstition sometimes even avoid chewing it so as not to break their prosperity.

4. Black-eyed peas

As a nutritious legume, black-eyed peas are linked with health and prosperity, enhancing the idea of abundance in one’s life. Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is a longstanding tradition in U.S., African, and African-American cultures. The thing is this legume is associated with survival and resilience and is seen as a symbol of good luck and protection. 

This is the main reason why soldiers used black-eyed peas during the Civil War — this food was often associated with survival and resilience. Also, it is viewed as a source of sustenance during tough times. Yes, people still believe that many wouldn’t have survived without eating those peas. What’s more, the round shape of the peas represents coins and black „eye“ – protection against evil.

5. Pomegranates

Culture and various traditions around the world believe that pomegranates invoke good luck and prosperity, especially at the start of the year. Their vibrant color and unique shape represent wealth and well-being. It contains numerous seeds, which makes them a powerful symbol of fertility, prosperity, and abundance. 

In many countries, seeds in general represent new life. And since pomegranates consist of numerous seeds, it’s also associated with good fortune.

In ancient Greek mythology, pomegranates were associated with Persephone, the goddess of the harvest, and were believed to bring good luck in agriculture. That could be why the act of sharing or gifting pomegranates is usually linked with blessings and good fortune for others.

Final Thoughts

Overall, certain foods are believed to represent good luck, fertility, and wealth due to cultural traditions, symbolism, and historical significance. Specifically, round foods like grapes or oranges symbolize unity and completeness, while long foods like noodles represent longevity. However, these beliefs vary significantly across cultures and what’s considered a symbol of prosperity in one part of the world might have a completely different meaning elsewhere.