In Spain, it’s considered good luck to eat one grape every chime of the clock when it hits 12 midnight on New Year — so you’ll have to eat 12 grapes to have a year of prosperity, 

This fruit is considered a symbol of longevity in Japanese and Chinese cultures. 

The Japanese eat this dish at midnight on New Year’s eve as a symbol of getting rid of bad luck from the previous year. 

The Italians believe that eating lentils during New Year will bring your good fortune. 

In Greece, this fruit is opened at weddings for good luck, fertility and prosperity. 

In Mandarin, cabbage is called ‘pak choy’, which translates into 100 types of prosperity. 

Garlic is said to be able to ward off evil, including vampires. In some cultures, brides would have a clove of garlic in their pocket for good luck during the olden times. 

Salmon — among other fishes — are considered to be a symbol of luck, which is why it’s often added into yu sheng for Chinese New Year. 

Text: Hidayah Idris/CLEO