The World Needs Lentils - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

The World Needs Lentils - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

In many cultures, the New Year is celebrated as a noteworthy happening. Whether tied to religion or rituals,  the festivities frequently include prayer, and traditions; customs that promise to bring prosperity in many iterations, and resources of many variations (in too many instances a need for food). And the ritual would hope to banish bad luck.

Some years ago, we journeyed to Umbria and the Italian hill town of Castellucio (near Norcia) in the Apennine Mountains. The tranquil village lies above the plain. As we traveled above the tree line, we looked up at people hang gliding above fertile valleys lavishly colored with red poppies, yellow rapeseed, and acres of bushy, pale blue flowered lentils. Yes, lentils. The town is known for its excellent production.

As we squeezed our car through one of the narrow lanes, we had to stop to navigate ( actually move in reverse) and, as we did, a lovely elderly lady opened her door to offer us a bag of lentils. A gift. How could we not accept her smile, her joy, her pride, her present? I was so excited about receiving her offer. Why? Well, the offer, but more. When I was a kid, I was not too fond of lentils; nowadays, I savor them.

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I think of that lady and that beautiful village of one hundred and fifty inhabitants at New Year because of the Italian custom that reveres lentils. New Year's Day is celebrated with those lens-shaped, high protein, high fiber legumes that indicate hoped-for prosperity. They symbolize little coins, and monetary gain; the more lentils, the more coins one might realize in the year to come. And the plumping during the cooking process links them to swelling wealth throughout the year. And they denote a symbolic sense of unity, hope, and optimism; woefully lacking in so many parts of our world.

Like other legumes (black-eyed peas, green peas, chickpeas, beans), they have been associated with good luck and protection in various cultures. Some believe that they can ward off evil spirits and negative energy. How universal a symbol of hope this simple legume can be. And we should embrace this sign of promise.

The New Year has come, and with eagerness and expectation, engender optimism for prosperity and good health for many but not all.

Offer lentils or something similar with the simplicity and humility so beautifully displayed by the lady in the village. It will make a difference.

I love this final stanza from Helen Hunt Jackson’s poem, New Year’s Morning.

“Only a night from old to new;

Only a sleep from night to morn.

The new is but the old come true;

Each sunrise sees a new year born”

Transitioning to a new year is a time for reflection. Make the lentil your symbol of a fresh beginning for you and others in our fractured world. Have the lentil represent food, shelter, and good behavior for humankind, served with a multitude of love and kindness.

Offer some lentils this year. The world needs them.