In Italy’s New Year’s Eve food tradition, lentils are commonly eaten as a symbol of prosperity.
Their small, round shape is traditionally compared with coins, so eating lentils is associated with hopes for wealth in the coming year. They are often served around New Year with cotechino or zampone, regional pork sausages and preparations strongly linked with Italian celebrations.
The custom is a food symbol rather than a claim that lentils guarantee financial success. Italian New Year menus vary by region and household, and some families serve the lentils after midnight or on New Year’s Day. The tradition is distinct from Spain’s twelve grapes, which connect each fruit with a month.