In Italian New Year's Eve customs, lentils are traditionally eaten as a symbol of prosperity.
Their small, round shape is often compared with coins, making them a natural symbol of wealth and financial good fortune. Lentils are commonly served at the New Year alongside cotechino, a traditional Italian pork sausage, or zampone, a stuffed pig's trotter.
The meal is connected with the wish that money and abundance will continue throughout the coming year. Regional menus differ, but lentils are a particularly recognizable part of Italian Capodanno traditions.
The custom is sometimes confused with Spain's midnight grapes, which involve twelve grapes and twelve chimes. Italy's lentils are not counted out as a twelve-piece countdown food. They are served as part of a festive meal whose symbolism comes from their coin-like appearance and association with prosperity.