1. Sauerkraut or fermented cabbage is specifically thought to bring good luck on New Year’s Day. This tradition hails from Germany and Eastern Europe .

Cabbage on New Year’s is also steeped in symbolism—the strands of cabbage in sauerkraut or coleslaw can symbolize long life and money.

2. Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is a time-honored tradition. One theory anchors the tradition in the American Civil War, when Union soldiers raided the Confederate army’s food supply, leaving behind only this bean.

3. Green, leafy vegetables are also favoured on New Year as green symbolises money and prosperity. According to some South American traditions, greens can be hung by the door to ward off evil spirits.

4. Rice is a staple of New Year’s celebrations in Asia, especially South Asia, where it’s paired with red beans for Hoppin’ John, which is served on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day to bring prosperity and luck.

5. Fish is considered to bring good luck on New Year’s—especially in cultures close to water. 

For example, in Scandinavian countries, herring was considered a harbinger of good fortune.

6. In China, Japan, and many other Asian countries, it’s customary to serve and eat noodles on New Year’s Day as their length symbolizes longevity.

7. In Filipino culture, New Year’s Eve is traditionally celebrated with 12 types of fruit. They choose 12 specifically to symbolize each month. Whereas in China and other Asian countries, oranges are prized for their round shape and gold-like hue as a representation of good fortune.