You've probably heard of the four-leaf clover. But did you know cultures across the world have different plants that promise good fortune?
Lucky Plants and Crops
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Black Eyed Peas
It is thought that the consumption of black eyed peas may create prosperity. Many have consumed the peas traditionally on New Year’s, believing that this will create prosperity in the coming year.
There are many different myths of where the superstition began, but in the present day, the tradition continues as, black eyed peas are often consumed in Southern dishes throughout the United States.
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Four Leaf Clovers
The four leaf clover is thought to bring good luck to those who pick it. This superstition is believed to have originated within the Irish culture, but is believed internationally today.
The four leaf clover is considered to be more rare than other clovers, including three-leaf clovers. When it is picked, one leaf of the clover represents luck, while the other three represent love, faith, and hope.
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Tangerines and Oranges
In Chinese culture, eating these fruits is thought to bring wealth and luck. It is also thought that the color orange symbolizes gold and wealth. The fruits are traditionally used for decoration or placed in home entrances in China.
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Basil
In early Greek and Italian history, basil has been viewed as a crop that symbolizes and promotes love. It was once a belief that when basil is grown and given to someone, the person receiving the basil will fall in love with the person who gave it as a gift.
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Lime and Lemons
It is thought that lemons bring friendship and purification when present. In other cultures such as some Asian cultures, these citrus fruits are used to ward off evil spirits such as the “evil eye.” In the Hindu Tantra ceremony, lime is also used to ward off evil spirits.
