For Italians, the evening of New Year’s Eve only continues the well-known transalpine traditions that wish for a successful year.
Thus, the so-called cenone di Capodanno – the large New Year’s Eve dinner – comprises numerous items: red wine, white wine, nougat, pandoro, panettone, glacé marrons, etc. At home with family or friends, the New Year’s Eve supper menu differs according to regional, familial, and distinctive culinary traditions, as in many other nations.
But anyone who has ever met an Italian or attended a New Year’s Eve celebration steeped in Italian Christmas traditions would have observed a very peculiar phenomenon. The Italians bring out soup spoons at the stroke of midnight, at midnight on January 1 – without chimes in Sol, but with a traditional countdown. After appetizers, first courses, second courses, desserts, and toasting with spumante or prosecco (Italian cava) with pandoro or panettone, everyone eats lentils, or whoever gets it. At night? On Christmas Eve?
It has been done in this manner for many years. Indeed, it is optional, and many people eat them with the cotechino as a first or second course to avoid flavor clashes on January 1. However, it is a widespread tradition associated with fond family memories for those who observe it.
This peculiar tradition of eating lentils dates back to Ancient Rome and is associated with wishing for good fortune and prosperity in the coming year. The ancient Romans gave a small leather pouch filled with lentils to be worn around the waist.
This was one of the earliest legumes cultivated by humans, and it was a popular and cooked food among the Greeks and Romans.
The reason why this tiny bag linked to the waist contained lentils and not, for instance, chickpeas is analogous.
Given the round and flattened nature of the lentils, the hope was that they would transform into several coins over the year.
A means of wishing success and prosperity
The Romans of today, like many other Italians, continue to trust in this winning legacy. Although many Spaniards will test their hunger by eating 12 grapes to the beat of the chimes, Italians, depending on their ability, will test their gustatory fortitude by pausing between delicacies to honor an ancient and beloved Roman ritual.
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