According to Lithuanian and international traditions and superstitions, what we put on the table that evening can affect the well-being of the family.
Here’s what you can’t miss on the New Year’s table and what superstitions are associated with these dishes:
1. Grapes are a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
In many cultures, grapes are believed to bring abundance.
- International tradition: In Spain and Latin America, 12 grapes are eaten at midnight, one for each month of the year, wishing that each month would be full of success.
- Tip: Place a plate with fresh or dried grapes on the table to attract financial abundance.
2. Pisces – to attract success and money
The fish symbolizes constant progress as it swims forward.
- Romanian superstition: It is believed that for those who eat fish on New Year’s Eve, the year will be such that obstacles will be easily overcome.
- How to serve: Cook or cook the fish, but be sure to put it on the table whole to symbolize a full and finished year.
3 – Bread and salt are essential elements of abundance
Bread symbolizes the main food, while salt symbolizes cleanliness and permanence.
- Tradition: In many regions of Romania, it is believed that a round loaf of bread, placed in the middle of the table, will bring peace and abundance to the home.
- Tip: Place a small bowl of salt next to the bread and say a prayer for well-being at midnight.
4. Lentil or bean dishes – attracting wealth
Lentils and beans are associated with financial well-being due to their coin shape.
- Tradition: In Italy, lentils are eaten on New Year’s Eve in order to attract financial benefits.
- How to include them in your diet: Make lentil soup or stir beans into a festive salad.
5. Pomegranates are symbols of fertility and abundance.
Pomegranates have been associated with wealth since ancient times due to the large number of seeds.
- Greek tradition: In Greece, a grenade is smashed on the floor to symbolically spread abundance throughout the house.
- How to use them: Decorate the table with fresh pomegranates or serve desserts with pomegranate seeds.
6. Sweets – attract happiness
Festive lunches are not complete without desserts, they symbolize the sweetness of life and happy moments.
- What to add to the menu: cassocks, nut or honey cakes, festively decorated cakes.
- Tip: Add honey to your dishes, as it is considered a symbol of health and longevity.
7. Herbs – a symbol of health and good luck
Leafy greens such as lettuce, cabbage or spinach are associated with health and wealth.
- International tradition: In the United States, cabbage is believed to bring financial success due to its green color, similar to the color of money.
- How to serve: Add fresh salad or cabbage dishes to your evening menu.
8. Round fruits – attract good luck
Round fruits, such as apples, oranges or plums, symbolize the cyclicality of life and continuous success.
- Tip: Place a basket with 12 different fruits on the table, each symbolizing a happy month.
9. Champagne is a traditional element of the celebration.
At midnight, champagne is a traditional drink that celebrates the beginning of a successful year.
- Tip: Make sure that the champagne is opened exactly at midnight to symbolize a year full of joy and success.
Lesser-known New Year’s superstitions
- Do not leave the table empty: It is believed that an empty table on New Year’s Eve brings poverty.
- Do not sweep the house: It is believed that sweeping discourages success.
- Wear red clothes: in many cultures, this color symbolizes energy and good luck.
- Pay all debts: It is important to enter the new year debt-free to ensure financial stability.
Christmas decoration can create a special festive mood in your home, especially if you take care of detailed accents such as Festive wreaths. RWarm and traditional Colors, such as red, gold or green, which will harmoniously complement your interior. Don’t forget to decorate and Balcony, where you can hang lights or a small wreath that gives comfort both inside and out.
