Southern New Year�s traditions: Black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread
A new year. A fresh start. A clean slate. Near Year�s Day marks the end of the holiday season, but the beginning of a bright new year. It may not be surprising that, in the south, we like to kick things off with food!
They say what you eat on New Year�s Day could bring good luck in the coming year. Another old adage instructs one to �eat poor on New Year�s, and eat fat the rest of the year,� hence the traditionally affordable ingredients in the foods eaten on January 1. Below, three to bring you prosperity in 2018 � which also happen to be yummy southern staples!
Black-eyed peas. The origin of the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year�s Day is debated, but most agree the �reason� for eating them is to bring fortune. Said to represent coins, black-eyed peas are most often cooked with stock and ham hock until tender, but you can mix it up by frying or roasting the peas. For extra luck, throw a coin into the pot. Whoever finds it in their bowl will have the most successful year. For your best chances at a prosperous new year, one is to eat exactly 365 peas � no more, no less!
Collard greens. Collards are a year-round love in the Lowcountry, but like black-eyed peas, we eat them on New Year�s Day with purpose. Why? The reasons is in the color: eat plenty of greens to keep plenty of green in your wallet all year long.
Cornbread. There�s nothing like golden yellow cornbread fresh out of the oven, no matter the day. Pair a few buttery pieces with your black-eyed peas and greens for a complete and filling meal. Like collards, the cornbread�s golden color is said to bring you wealth and good fortune.
So there you have it. The three dishes you�ll need to gobble up on January 1 to ensure a prosperous 2018. Whether the meal really brings luck, prosperity and fortune, we can�t say. But we can promise it�s a delicious and hearty meal to start the New Year! Cheers to 2018!
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