Meals That Symbolize Good Luck

BY: PRAGATI UPADHYAY

Around the world, meals carry lucky meanings. In India and beyond, food traditions bring prosperity, health, and happiness. 

Food & Fortune

Dumplings at Lunar New Year symbolize wealth, shaped like ancient gold.

Dumplings – China

A southern New Year tradition, believed to attract prosperity.

Black-Eyed Peas – USA

In Italy, lentils = coins. In India, lentils (dal) are served at festivals as symbols of health and abundance.

Lentils – Italy, Brazil & India

In Japan, fish means abundance. In Bengal, fish is auspicious at weddings and New Year feasts.

Fish – Japan & Bengal, India

Cracking open pomegranates means fertility, renewal, and good fortune.

Pomegranates – Greece

Laddoos, kheer, and barfi are shared to mark good beginnings. Sweetness is believed to bring happiness and luck.

Sweets – India

From Indian sweets to Chinese dumplings, meals reflect hope for fortune. Paired with songs, they remind us that food is culture, memory, and magic.

Luck On A Plate