Growing up in the south, you followed traditions because your Momma did. Being on vacation today, I started to think, why do we do this and when did it start? With some time on my hands, I started to research the tradition.
The awesome Paula Deen, in her magazine says, “The tradition of eating black-eyed peas dates back to the Civil war. General Sherman led his Union troops on their destructive march through the South, the fields of black-eyed peas were left untouched because they were deemed fit only for animals. As a result, the humble, yet nourishing black-eyed pea saved surviving Confederates from starvation. The peas are said to represent coins.”
Specifically, in the South, eating a bowl of black-eyed peas, collard greens, ham and cornbread has become the standard on New Year’s Day. Many celebrating the new year might just be going along with the offered dishes without knowing the reason behind it. Black-eyed peas are served with rice in the traditional Southern U.S. My daddy ate Hoppin' Johns in the orphanage growing up in St. Simon Island, Georgia. Black-eyed peas with corn bread represent gold, according to Southern Living. “Stew the black-eyed peas with tomatoes and they become a symbol of health and wealth.”
This is a good one that I like... “Some add to their “luck” by cooking their pot of peas with a penny or dime inside. Whoever gets the bowl with the coin in it, according to legend, has the best luck for the new year.” Gotta to go check the hubby pants for loose change.
“Greens represent wealth and paper money, as they’re flat and green like money. Any greens will do, but in the South the most popular are collards, mustard greens, turnip greens, and cabbage. (Thank goodness for cabbage…)
Throughout history, owning pigs and livestock was a symbol of prosperity, so today Pork is eaten in the hopes of prosperity and a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
And then we come to the cornbread. It symbolizes gold and is used for soaking up the "pot liquker (juice) from the greens.” Again, quotes from Paula Deen Magazine – the lady knows the southern thangs.
Here’s the link to read more. https://www.pauladeenmagazine.com/new-years-day-menus/?singlepage=1
Guess I will be cooking tomorrow, Lord knows I need all the luck, coins, money, prosperity and gold I can get.
So, are you hungry yet??