As tradition with every Southerner on New Years Day we each black-eyed peas in some form or fashion. May it be Hoppin’ John, plain baked beans or some other concoctions of your own…however it’s done, most Southerners share in this tradition. I opted for my own concoction in the crock pot! I couldn’t tell you what I did, but it turned out yummy!
It was brought to my attention that I had no idea why black-eyed peas were tradition and on that note, I really didn’t realize that this wasn’t everyones tradition. Really I think I’ve just never really thought that much about it. So I decided it was time I understood a bit more about our southern charm!
I knew eating black-eyed peas was considered to bring good luck and prosperity to those partaking in this tradition…what I did NOT know was the source of its origin. So I did what any typical college student would do…Wikipedia! Haha, ok so I know I’m not a college student anymore but Wikipedia is still a quick go to source for basic information for me. It was interesting to discover that black-eyed peas were traditionally eaten on Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, the swelling of the pea when cook symbolize growing prosperity, which is where the ideal of the peas bring good luck derives. The belief is that this Jewish practice was adopted by non-Jews around the time of the American Civil War. The other part of this southern tradition I did not know was each person was to leave three beans in the bowl assuring Luck, Fortune and Romance in the New Year! What are some of your New Years traditions?
I couldn’t help but to post a few shots from our New Years Day meal…I made Ramen Noodle Salad, Rice Pilaf with dried cranberries, marinated chicken, cornbread and of course…the star of the show….my black-eyed peas concoction! Here’s to Luck, Fortune and Romance in 2012!!!
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