In Italy, lentils are traditionally eaten at New Year's celebrations to symbolize wealth.
The association comes from the lentils' small, round shape, which resembles coins. Eating them is therefore linked with hopes for financial prosperity in the coming year. Lentils are commonly served with cotechino, a traditional Italian pork sausage, or with zampone, a stuffed pig's trotter, especially around New Year's Day.
The custom is widespread but not a compulsory national ritual, and recipes vary among regions and families. Some meals include lentils at midnight, while others serve them on January 1. Pork is also connected with abundance in several European food traditions because a pig's forward rooting suggests progress.
Lentils are sometimes confused with the Spanish midnight grape custom, but the symbolism and timing differ. Spain's tradition centers on twelve grapes, while the Italian practice focuses on a legume associated with coins and prosperity.