Matakaw Ako!

Astrological myth or not it won’t hurt if we believe that today, the 10th day of the 10th month of 2010 is lucky because it is a perfect 10 date 10-10-10.   It wouldn’t also hurt to boost our luck the more by eating these 10 lucky foods that symbolize luck from around the globe.

1. Noodles

Because of its long strands this food is believed to bring long life if served and eaten on a New Years Day in many Asian countries.  However, you should not break the noodle until its all in your mouth!

2. Pork

Because of the pigs dining habits, countries including Austria, Cuba and Spain believed that eating pork is good luck.  As pigs root for food, they keep their feet planted and push their snouts forward, signifying progress and future prosperity.

3. Lentils

In Italy they are believed to resemble coins and therefore signifies good fortune if eaten in the New Year.   It is believed also that the legumes plump (with water) as they cook, symbolizing growing wealth.

4. Fish

Fish, aside from being healthy is also believed to bring abundance in life as people associate it with moving forward into the new year.  In North America, Asia, and Europe, fish symbolize abundance since they swim in schools.

5. Greens

Its a no brainer since green is believed to be the color of money.   Vegetables like kale, collards, and cabbage, are  traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day because of their association with wealth and economic prosperity.

6. Black-Eyed Peas

In United States this is believed to bring prosperity because of its shape which represents abundance and coins.    Hoppin’ John (another name for the black eyed peas) is the classic Southern New Year’s dish.

7. Pomegranate

In Turkey and other Mediterrenean countries this fruit is associated with abundance and fertility in the new year.

8. Citrus

When the Chinese celebrate New Year’s Day, they often set out bowls of oranges and tangerines to promote prosperity. This tradition developed from a play on words: “tangerine” and “orange” sound much like “luck” and “wealth,” respectively, in the Chinese language.

9. Grapes

At midnight on New Year’s Eve, revelers in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries eat 12 grapes — one for every strike of the clock and month in the year. This custom grew from a grape surplus in the Alicante region of Spain in 1909, and celebrates the coming of a sweet year.

10. Round Cakes and Breads

Eating round or ring-shaped cakes, pastries, and breads is a popular New Year’s tradition in various countries. In Greece, families bake vassilopita, a cake containing a hidden good-luck coin. Italians eat sweet panetonne, Mexicans enjoy the ring-shaped rosca de reyes cake, and the Dutch indulge in puffed, doughnut-like ollie bollen.

Eat all this food or not its all up to you. As long as you prepare your food with care and wash them thoroughly under a Hansgrohe faucet, I’m definite that you’ll be happy, healthy and full!

Bon appetite!

(photos from Google images)