Black-Eyed Peas, Greens, and Cornbread
Even folks who aren't from the Southern United States go all in on eating black-eyed peas and leafy greens for good luck on New Year's Day. Add a slice of cornbread, and you've got "peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold.
Pork
Pork for progress! Pigs root around with their snouts moving in a forward motion, which is why many cultures around the world eat pork on New Year's Day to symbolize progress for the coming year.
Grapes
In Spain and Mexico, eating 12 grapes at midnight is said to bring you luck for the 12 months ahead.
Pomegranates
Seeds have always been associated with fertility. In Greece, they hurl whole pomegranates to the floor to release a flood of seeds that symbolize life and abundance.
Fish - Is it pickled herring for you, Mr. W?
So many fish in the sea. Maybe that's why they symbolized abundance in the new year around the world: Asian cultures feast on whole fish to celebrate Lunar New year, while on the other side of the globe, Europeans eat cod, herring, and carp. And while you don't eat the silvery scales, they do stand for an abundance of coinage.
Noodles and Rice
Noodles, especially extra-long noodles, are thought to bring long life if eaten without breaking them in the middle. Rice symbolizes fertility and wealth.