The year 2018 is coming to an end and for some, it must have been a year of have-it-all, others might just be looking for some better luck in 2019. The plans, parties and celebrations aside, a lot of people look positively to the new year as a start of something bigger and better. Country wise, the traditions associated with the new beginnings also differ. Different people have a different set of beliefs, due to varying culture. And while you'd have already decided upon your favourite foods and dishes you'd gorge on the New Year's Eve, there are some food items that you should definitely have at midnight. There are certain food items are believed to bring in good luck, if you have them on New Year's Eve. First and Last Country to Enter New Year 2019: Know Which Countries Will Ring in the Celebrations At Different Time Zones.

These food-related traditions are followed in different parts of the world. You may not believe in them but at least you can relish on some good options, which you otherwise may not have. And good luck never hurt anybody! Lucky Fruits for 2019: Eat These Fruits For Prosperity, Good Luck and Wealth on New Year's Eve.

Pomegranate

Eat pomegranates for good luck and prosperity (Photo credits: Pixabay)

In Turkey, Pomegranates represent good luck for various reasons. The colour red is said to represent the human heart and it also denotes life and fertility.  The fruit has several medicinal properties which ensure good health in the coming year. The red seeds in abundance stand for prosperity. These are all the things that everyone hopes for in any fresh start.

Black Eye Beans

Black eyed beans (Photo credits: Pixabay)

According to a South American tradition, black-eyed beans should be included in family dinner. They are said to resemble money and thus bring in good fortune. Some also say that these beans helped in the survival in times of the Civil War. They are considered healthy and also a symbol of luck. So combine some beans curry and rice, along with the other yummy dishes on your party platter.

Noodles

Eat noodles for longevity (Photo credits: Pixabay)

Noodles are long and thus associated with longevity. The Chinese and Japanese believe in having noodles on the New Year's Eve. While eating noodles, one should slurp on the long ones, without breaking or cutting them. If you are able to slurp the long ones in one go, then it is said you will live a long life.

Round foods

Round-shaped foods like doughnuts, cakes, baked breads represent a continuous year. In Greece, they make a special cake, which is baked with a coin inside. Whoever gets this piece is said to get good luck in the forthcoming year. Well, do we need a reason to eat doughnuts or cakes? If they are getting us luck, we will have two of them!

Grapes

Eat grapes for good luck (Photo credits: Pixabay)

If you love fruits, then grapes in another fruit that is said to bring in good luck. The custom is to eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight. Each of the grape denotes a month of the coming year. This tradition is followed in some European and few American countries and a woven tradition among the Spanish people.

Fish

Whole fish (Photo credits: Pixabay)

There are different reasons why eating fish is considered to bring in good luck. The Chinese word for fish is very similar to their word of abundance. Other theory states that the fish scales look like coins in your wallet. Fishes swim together and it thus signifies a large amount. But one should have a whole fish. The whole fish has to be served with head and tail and it symbolises a good year from the start to the end.

If not all of the above, try adding at least some of these to your dinner course while you party and celebrate the oncoming on the new year. So if you think you need some of the luck as you step into 2019, then do try out these food items. Wish you all a very lucky 2019!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2018 05:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).