Lentils traditionally symbolize money and prosperity at Italy’s New Year’s Eve dinner.
Italian families commonly serve lentils around midnight or on New Year’s Day, often alongside cotechino or zampone, two pork specialties associated with festive meals. The small, round, coin-like shape of lentils supports their symbolism: eating them is understood as a wish for increasing wealth in the year ahead.
The custom is especially associated with northern Italian food traditions, although lentils are eaten across the country. Preparation varies, from a thick stew to a side dish. The pairing with rich pork also reflects the idea of abundance and a celebratory meal.
Lentils are not Italy’s only New Year symbol. Grapes, pomegranates, and other foods appear in New Year customs around the world, often because their shape, color, or abundance suggests good fortune. The Italian tradition is sometimes simplified as “lentils bring money,” but the food is a symbolic wish for prosperity rather than a literal promise of financial gain.