New Delhi: Traditions are the core of every festival and celebration. Vouching for their own unique benefits to the people practicing, they represent an entire culture and belief system. So to make sure that you start off your New Year with blessings from every culture.

Here, we bring a list of special food items from across the world that are believed to mark the advent of good times: 

1) Spain: Twelve Grapes

Twelve Grapes is a Spanish tradition of eating 12 Grapes as the clock strikes 12 times at midnight on 31st December. Representing each of the coming 12 months, these grapes they say bring good luck and prosperity throughout the year. Dating back to roughly 1895, this tradition was apparently started by Alicantese vine growers to increase the sale of grapes. In some parts, this practice is also believed to ward off witches and evil entities. So gather your Grapes for a healthy and wealthy 2023!

2) Armenia: Year Bread

An Armenian New Year tradition where women make the “year bread” kneading good luck and wishes into the dough. This bread also known as Gata or Tarehats symbolizes success, fertility and health. As per the tradition, they put a coin or walnut inside the bread and whoever gets that portion was said to have the best fortune in the upcoming year. So celebrate your New Year with this traditional bread to welcome all its blessings.

3) Estonia: New Year Feasting

In Estonia, it is believed that if you ate 7 times on New Year’s day you would have the strength of seven men in the coming year. Also, as per legend, eating 7, 9, or 12 times a day ensures an abundance of food throughout the year. After facing years of famine, this tradition was a sign of hope ensuring a fulfilling New Year. How many meals are you planning to have this New Year’s day?

4) Germany: Jelly Doughnuts

Germans eat Jelly Doughnuts on New Year’s eve but what’s interesting is that they fill some of these doughnuts with mustard. Getting a mustard-filled doughnut was considered to mean bad luck for the coming year. This is one of the many New Year traditions in Germany and is practiced widely to ensure a successful New year.

5) Philippines: Noodles for a longer life

Eating long noodles for longevity is a prominent Chinese belief that extends to their birthdays and New year celebrations. This as a traditional permeation also exists in the Filipino New Year festivities. Including long noodles that signify long life and round fruits representing good health, the Filipino New Year feast has this noodle dish with round fruits.

So include as many faiths and beliefs in your feast to have a special day and year ahead. Keep in mind, a healthy and fulfilling meal on New Year’s day with your loved ones is a prescription for ensuring happiness throughout the year!