The South is a region with long-standing superstitions and traditions. But one of our longest-running traditions is eating some form of black-eyed peas or collard greens on New Year’s Day. In fact, this tradition is so pervasive throughout the Southeast that black-eyed peas appear in recipes as diverse as a Texas cowboy’s caviar to Alabama’s Hopping John to North Carolina’s peas and ham ups. Masu.
Photo: Alison Mikush
What are the meanings of black-eyed peas and collard greens?
According to legendary Southern food scholar John Egerton’s book Southern Cooking: At Home, on the Street, and in History, black-eyed peas are associated with “mystical, mythical powers that bring good fortune.” It has been a staple food in the South for more than three centuries. . Collard greens are green like money and guarantee you a financially prosperous new year. And isn’t that what we all want?
There is evidence that Jews have been eating black-eyed peas as part of the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, for hundreds of years. However, the tradition of cooking black-eyed peas with rice originated in Africa. It spread throughout the South, especially the Carolinas, in the form of pilau, or rice dishes, boiled for long periods with chicken or shrimp. Adding black-eyed peas to pilau made it Hopping John.
what to eat with black eyed peas
Eating peas with cornbread represents gold, and stewing them with tomatoes symbolizes wealth and health. Although we do not recommend this practice, some people put a penny or a dime into a pot of peas. Those who are “lucky” enough to receive the coin will have the most luck for the rest of the year.
Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens Recipe
Traditional New Year’s combinations are not limited to households. As the new year approaches, black-eyed peas and collards appear on menus and daily specials at restaurants across the South. However, if you’d like to practice this tradition yourself, here are some of our favorite recipes that are perfect to try at home.
