Round or ring shaped cakes symbolize a full circle of a year, beginning to end.

These cakes are baked with a treat inside of it. Whoever finds it gets luck for the whole year.

Seeds also symbolize life.

In Greece, pomegranates are smashed on the front door. The more seeds that come out, the more luck you have!

In Spain and Mexico, if you can eat 12 grapes at midnight, you get 12 months of luck in the upcoming year.

Black eyed peas, Lentils, any bean

To have a long life, symbolized extra long noodles, one must be able to eat them without them breaking in the middle.

Because pigs root around the ground moving forward, the same direction as ones outlook for the new year. Pigs are also butchered in the fall and ham or pork was easily available for traditional winter meals.

In Scandinavian countries, rice pudding with an almond is eaten. Whoever finds the almond receives 12 months of good fortune in the new year.