9 Delicious New Years Superstitions

Pretty much a good excuse to throw food.

Depending on where you live in the world, it's likely you have some unique New Year's food traditions. Many cultures believe that what you eat, or don't eat, can inspire good luck OR misfortune in the coming year. Which superstitions do you believe in?

1. Though delicious, don't eat chicken on New Years.

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Chickens scratch backwards, which could cause you to regret or dwell on the past. Actually, don’t eat any winged fowl for that matter – they foreshadow that your good luck could fly away.

2. Also, don't eat anything white.

Via ohionutrition.com

The Chinese have a superstition about eating white as it symbolizes death. All white foods are considered off limits for the night – Tofu, eggs, white cheeses etc. Taking this a step further, the Irish have a tradition of banging white bread against the walls to chase away back luck of the new year.

3. Do, eat some greens.

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Cooked greens like cabbage, collards, kale or chard symbolize economic good fortune. The green leaves look like folded money and therefore represent prosperity.

4. But don't eat lobster.

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Lobsters move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks in your year.

5. Hang up your onions.

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In Greece, an onion is hung on the front door on New Years Eve. On New Year's morning, the parents bonk the onion on the children’s heads to wake them up. It’s meant to represent the ability to sprout new life after having been removed from the Earth. With the onions many layers, it is symbolic of growth and rebirth. It is meant to bring about good heath to the family.

6. Throw a pomegranate.

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In addition, when the New Year turns, the Greek will smash a pomegranate on the floor or on the wall to reveal the abundance of seeds inside and bring about good fortune. The red color represents fertility, love and happiness.

7. Eat some grapes.

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Many Latin American cultures eat 12 grapes just before the stroke of midnight to represent good fortune for each month of the year. It’s also customary to make a wish for each grape.

8. Get a little fishy.

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The Swedes often eat a variety of fish dishes, the Japanese eat herring roe for fertility, shrimp for long life, and sardines for a good harvest.

The Chinese have specific rules to how the fish should be served. The head should be placed toward distinguished guests or elders -- this represents respect. Everyone else can enjoy the fish only after the one who faces the fish head eats first. Also, it is considered good luck for the two people who face the head and tail to drink together.

9. Nom on some black eyed peas and lentils.

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Lentils and black eyed peas are typically eaten in Southern states as they symbolize good luck and prosperity.

Some other mindful tips: Keep a stocked pantry going into the new year and leave some food on your plate at midnight to leave a bite for the future.

Did I leave anything out? Which New Year's food traditions do you celebrate?