Among the foods Italians can’t help but have on their table the last day of the year is represented by lentils: the round shape reminds coins, with ancient tradition of giving away, on December 31, a small bag full of these legumes to wish the person they would have turned into money. They also symbolise a growing prosperity for the fact they increase in volume while cooking. On New Year’s eve, it is served with cotechino, which is known for bringing good luck if eaten before the new year starts.
The pomegranate is a fruit which reminds an ancient symbolic value, thanks to the spontaneity with which the fruit opens and releases its red seeds. They represent fertility and luck.
Nuts were once used by farmers for divination: householders used to take 12 nuts, cover them with salt, and put in a cupboard. The next day, depending on which walnut was more dry or wet, they could understand which month of the new year would have been more dry or rainy.
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