Do you want wealth and good luck in 2010? Better start your year off right with a traditional New Year’s feast! Cultures all over the world eat certain foods every New Year’s Day to ensure a year of good luck and fortune.

In Japan, toshikoshi sobo, or buckwheat noodles, are eaten as a symbol of long life. In Greece, St. Basil’s Cake (Vasilopitta) is a New Year’s traditon. A large coin is baked into the cake; whoever finds the coin in his piece of cake is said to have good luck the whole year long. As the clock strikes midnight in Spain on New Year’s Eve, people eat twelve grapes, one for each chime of the hour.

In the South, we have our own traditional New Year’s food: pork, greens and Hoppin’ John.

Why pork?
Pork has traditionally been eaten on New Year’s Day because pigs root for food in a forward direction, symbolizing prosperity. Conversely, animals that move or scratch backwards, like turkey, other fowl and even lobsters are considered unlucky to eat– they may cause backward thinking and regret.

Why greens?
You can take your pick of greens: collards or turnips. Either one is said to bring you wealth in the New Year.

Why Hoppin’ John?
There are many different recipes for Hoppin’ John. Usually it consists of black-eyed peas, bacon or fatback, rice and sometimes vegetables, like tomatoes or peppers. The black-eyed peas are the most important ingredient – they bring you good luck for the next year.

My favorite Hoppin’ John is made with black-eyed peas, rice and bell pepper. It usually does bring me pretty good luck!

Below are some books and Web sites with more information about traditional New Year's foods and some recipes for Hoppin' John.

Do you have another New Year's food favorite? Tell us about it in the comments!