Global New Year's Lucky Foods

While Hungarians enjoy fish soup at the start of the New Year, Norwegians prefer pudding as a harbinger of luck and peace for the coming year.

Each country has its unique way of celebrating this pivotal moment, with lucky foods being a common tradition.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is famous for its Olie Bollen, a traditional New Year's delicacy made from flour, eggs, and fruits like apples, pineapples, or raisins. These dough balls are deep-fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar for added appeal.

Legend says that on New Year's Eve, the goddess Bertha flies across the sky accompanied by many troubled spirits. Holding a knife, she supposedly slices open all empty stomachs she sees. Thus, the Dutch believe eating greasy Olie Bollen prevents Bertha's knife from cutting.

Ireland

In Ireland, the New Year is greeted with barn brack, a festive cake from Halloween traditions, symbolizing the homeland's rich culinary heritage. Made with flour, cinnamon, butter, and various dried fruits, hidden treasures like rings or coins are placed inside as omens of future fortune for the finder.

Hungary

Hungarians consider fish a wholesome meal, with scales believed to bring financial luck, making fish soup, especially carp, a staple New Year's dish. This special soup, rich and spicy, is served with bread or pasta and prepared days in advance to develop a robust taste.

Greece

For New Year's, Greeks prepare Vassilopita, a large, round bread baked with a hidden coin. Finding the coin in one's slice during the New Year's meal is thought to bring financial prosperity and luck throughout the year.

Italy

As the birthplace of pasta, it's no surprise that Lasagna is considered Italy's lucky New Year's dish. This layered pasta dish, filled with cheese, sauce, and options like meat or vegetables, is believed to bring the best of fortunes to those who enjoy it.

Norway

Pudding is Norway's choice for a lucky New Year's meal, a familiar dessert made from eggs, sugar, and milk. During the New Year's celebration, a hidden almond in the pudding promises wealth to the fortunate finder.

Denmark

Denmark welcomes the New Year with steamed cod served with mustard. Given the high fertility of cod, it's used as a symbol of abundance, wishing for a year of prosperity, unity, and a large, happy family.

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Source: Mytour Travel Guide - Via Vnexpress