Southern New Year Traditions

I'm reposting this from last year, because I think it's fun information.

The new year makes me reflect on some traditions that sound uniquely Southern, and actually are. The tradition of lucky black-eyed peas is rooted in the Confederacy's rations during the Civil War. About's Sheridan Alexander has a nice article on the origins of some of the traditions.

I've never heard of eating 365 black-eyed peas before. That's a lot of counting. In my family, it's always said you should leave one pea on the plate, in hopes of sharing your luck with those in need. Some New Year's Day guests have said that's what they do too. Some have said it is to "save" some luck for next year. Others have vehemently objected, demanding to eat all their peas. Apparently, it's also said that if you leave a pea on your plate, you will have no luck, or bad luck, in the following year. Peas are a lot more confusing than you'd think. My solution is to have two plates of peas and satisfy everyone.

New Year's Day traditional meals in the South also include hog jowls, a very Southern sounding meat. My Northern friends say they use ham. Pork is supposed to bring wealth. Cabbage is also said to bring wealth. I've always heard the wealth that cabbage brings is "purse" or spending money. Some substitute collard greens for cabbage down here. There is also cornbread, which is always served in my house on New Year's Day. Sheridan says it represents gold. I've always just thought it tasted good with black-eyed peas, greens and pork, and that's why it was on the table.

Whatever traditions you're celebrating and whatever food you're eating, I hope you have a happy, healthy, wealthy and lucky new year!

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