For Good Luck in the New Year!!

There was a conversation going on at work last night about New Year's Eve/Day foods for good luck. I really had no idea about anything else besides black-eyed peas....so I did a little research:

Around the world, people eat certain foods that are thought to symbolize luck in the new year.
1. Noodles
In many Asian countries, long noodles are eaten on New Year's Day in order to bring a long life. One catch: You can't break the noodle before it is all in your mouth. Try these recipes: Soba Noodles with Shrimp, Snow Peas, and Carrots; Sesame Noodles; or Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Noodles.

2. Black-Eyed Peas
A common good luck food in the southern United States, black-eyed peas are thought to bring prosperity, especially when served with collard greens. Try these recipes: Hoppin' John; Pulled Pork Pot Pie; or Baked Black-Eyed Peas.
(ummmm, no thanks...will it count if I just listen to the CD tomorrow?)

3. Cabbage
In Germany, Ireland, and parts of the United States, cabbage is associated with luck and fortune since it is green and resembles money. Try these recipes: Cabbage with Ginger and Cumin; Five-Spice Braised Pork and Cabbage; or Corned Beef and Cabbage.

4. Lentils
Thought to resemble coins, lentils are eaten throughout Italy for good fortune in the New Year. Try these recipes: Red Lentil and Vegetable Soup; Salmon with Lentils and Orange-Basil Dressing; or Indian Lentil-Vegetable Stew.

5. Pomegranate
Long associated with abundance and fertility, pomegranates are eaten in Turkey and other Mediterranean countries for luck in the New Year. Try these recipes: Pomegranate-Berry Smoothie; Waldorf Salad Deluxe; or Pink Grapefruit and Endive Salad.

6. Fish
In North America, Asia, and Europe, people eat fish to celebrate the new year. In some countries, people associate fish with moving forward into the new year since fish swim forward. Other people think fish symbolize abundance since they swim in schools. Try these recipes: Snapper Livornese; Salt-Baked Fish; or Spiced Salmon Steaks.

Also:
12 grapes (one for each month of the year), pork (since pigs symbolize prosperity and abudance b/c of their plump body Ü)....and a coin in each shoe to have luck with money!

Foods to stay away from:
Chicken can ruin your entire year...lol...b/c it could fly away, taking all our luck! Chicken is especially bad b/c it scratches backwards....
Backwards swimming lobsters are a bad omen for the same reason....make sure if you are Red Lobster to ask for "forward swimming only" lol.
The color white should be avoided...since it symbolizes death...like eggs, tofu, white cheese.

And one last thing...
Don't clean your plate too thoroughly, many cultures believe that leaving a bit on your plate will usher in a year of plenty.

Interesting stuff, huh?
Thx to MSN.com for the info! :)