In Italy's New Year's Eve tradition, lentils are eaten to symbolize wealth and prosperity.
Their association with money comes largely from their small, round shape, which resembles coins. Eating lentils at the turn of the year is therefore treated as a wish for financial good fortune in the months ahead. They are often served as part of a substantial celebratory meal rather than as a symbolic garnish alone.
A classic pairing is cotechino, a spiced pork sausage, or zampone, a stuffed pig's trotter. Pork can represent abundance because pigs were historically associated with plenty and forward movement. Regional recipes vary, and families may serve lentils with different meats or other New Year's dishes.
The tradition is sometimes confused with Spain's midnight grapes, but the customs are different: Spain's ritual centers on twelve grapes, while the Italian symbolism focuses on lentils and prosperity. Food customs differ across Italy, so not every household follows the same menu.