Eat something lucky this Friday the 13th

This weekend’s Harvest Moon has some people spooked because it’s a full moon taking place on Friday the 13th, a rare combination that will not happen again until Aug. 13, 2049, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Historically, it’s called the Harvest Moon because it will be bright enough to provide enough light to harvest crops. In this part of the country, however, the moon will rise after midnight, making it Saturday, Sept. 14.

Those harvesting bad luck on Friday the 13th live in time zones to the west of us.

Those living in Mountain or Pacific time zones will see the moon rise earlier in the evening of Sept. 13.

Although

I’m not superstitious at all,

I thought

I’d research some typical goodluck foods to help out those who fear Friday the 13th, black cats and other omens of bad luck.

I recalled from past years writing about the New Year and the foods considered lucky because they look like money or gold — think black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread or “peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold.”

In Pennsylvania Dutch and other traditions, pork and sauerkraut are eaten on New Year’s Day to bring good fortune in the year ahead. Pork’s on the menu because pigs root forward — the same direction most people hope to go in the new year.

The pomegranate seeds found in a recipe for guacamole I included with a story this week about area cooking classes remind me of how they are associated with fertility in many countries. Greeks hurl whole pomegranates to the floor to release an abundance of seeds, symbolizing abundance. You may have to look a bit to find a pomegranate this time of year, but they’re in season from September to March, so you may be in luck.

Fish is another goodluck food in many cultures. Asian cultures feast on whole fish to celebrate Lunar New Year, while on the other side of the globe, Europeans eat cod, herring and carp.

And while you don’t eat the silvery scales, they do stand for coins and plenty of it.

In Spain and Mexico, folks believe eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve will bring luck for the following 12 months.

They bring out bunches of grapes, and everyone eats one for each strike of the clock at midnight. Trust me: It’s not easy.

But grapes are in season now, and I’ve included an easy recipe for Balsamic Roasted Grapes to try at your next gathering.

No need to eat 12 of them, but they go well with wine and cheese.

JANET PODOLAK — THE NEWS-HERALD Fish, shown here in a Japanese market, are not only the mainstay of Japanese diet but considered a lucky omen by cultures around the world.