There’s a rather intriguing piece of folk wisdom that’s traveled down the generations: “no matter how poor you are, you should never eat golden eel.” While this saying doesn’t have a scientific foundation, it’s deeply rooted in cultural and traditional reasons worth exploring.

First and foremost, the golden eel often carries an unlucky stigma in many East Asian cultures, notably in countries like Vietnam. Many believe that consuming this mystical creature might lead to a series of unfortunate events, casting a shadow of bad luck over one’s life.

Beyond bad luck, the golden eel symbolizes poverty and hardship, according to certain folk tales. Even though it’s packed with nutrients and considered quite tasty, it’s often linked to stories of struggle and want, resonating with themes of financial woe and adversity.

Further delving into folklore, the golden eel appears in tales as a “strange creature” connected to life’s negative forces. This connection led our forebears to caution against dining on golden eels to avoid inadvertently drawing misfortune into one’s life.

Let’s not forget, though, that these perceptions are steeply enshrined in folklore, and there’s no scientific backing to support such beliefs. Many people still enjoy a meal of golden eel, finding it not only delicious but also nutritious. Despite these warnings, the stories reflect how cultural and spiritual beliefs intricately weave into the fabric of people’s lives.