Lentils are traditionally eaten in Italy at New Year’s Eve as a symbol of wealth and good fortune.
Their association with prosperity comes partly from their round, coin-like appearance. As lentils swell when cooked, they have also been linked symbolically with increasing abundance during the coming year. The dish is commonly served around the New Year alongside other celebratory foods.
A particularly well-known pairing is lentils with cotechino, a traditional Italian pork sausage. In some regions, zampone, a stuffed pig’s trotter, is used instead. Pork can represent progress or forward movement because pigs root ahead rather than backward, while the lentils represent money.
Italian New Year’s Eve food customs vary by region and household, so not every family serves the same menu. The lentil tradition is nevertheless widespread and is one of the clearest culinary symbols associated with Capodanno, the Italian New Year celebration.