EAT BLACK-EYED PEAS

On New Year's Day, people in the southern United States fill up on greens and Hoppin' John--black-eyed peas and rice, often with onions and bacon mixed in. Some say each pea eaten represents a dollar to be gained in the coming year; for others, the peas symbolize pennies and the greens, dollars.

BAKE SAINT BASIL'S CAKE

In Greece, New Year's Eve celebrations are not complete without a Saint Basil's cake, or Vassilopitta, into which a gold or silver coin is baked. Another option, available at decorating stores, is a small charm in the shape of a baby (representing the new year). The cake gets cut ceremoniously--one piece for Saint Basil, one for the house, one for the poor and one for each member of the family. The person who bites down on the charm carries good luck into the next year.

GUARANTEED LUCK

How can you guarantee good fortune in the next 12 months? In Spain on New Year's Eve, folks do it by eating 12 grapes in rapid succession as the clock strikes midnight.