Do you eat Black-Eyed Peas on New Year Day?

[NanaBanana]

It has always been a tradition at our house (and many households across the US) to eat black-eyed peas on New Years Day, for good luck throughout the year. Do you believe in this tradition and do you eat your black-eyed peas, or no? Opinions please......

[links_slayer]

We don't. In fact, I don't think I've ever eaten one...

[tonypap]

I've never heard of this before, Nana? Can you elaborate more?...I'm curious

[alabubba]

and on 30 -40 other days as well. Mmmmmmmmmmmm, good eats!

[cowboys]

I had never heard of this before this year. My wife heard about it at work from some of her co-workers. So.... We are eating Black-Eyed Peas (with snaps) today. Which is OK with me, I've always liked 'em. Especially with butter melted over them...

[SDRamones]

that sounds interesting. I've heard about the grapes on New Years but don't understand or know the significance. Also, I've heard about the one with Long Noodle and Long Life.

[NanaBanana]

Originally Posted by tonypap

I've never heard of this before, Nana? Can you elaborate more?...I'm curious

Well, it may very well be a southern tradition, but with your question - I Googled it and copied this paragraph:

Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day.

My family has eaten black-eyed peas on the first day of the New Year all my life. My Mom just about always had buttermilk and cornbread along with the peas, and usually cabbage. Some people have turnip greens in lieu of cabbage with the peas. In my house, I always have cornbread and peas, and once in awhile have Ham, and sometimes cabbage or turnip greens, depending on who all is here. But, always peas and cornbread! Hey, I'm not leaving anything to chance - I want good luck!

[NanaBanana]

Oh, another footnote:

Here in Texas, you had best buy your peas before New Years Day - because on New Years Day, the stores are usually all sold out (of both canned and died peas)!! I bought both last week.....

[tonypap]

Originally Posted by NanaBanana

Well, it may very well be a southern tradition, but with your question - I Googled it and copied this paragraph:

Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day.

My family has eaten black-eyed peas on the first day of the New Year all my life. My Mom just about always had buttermilk and cornbread along with the peas, and usually cabbage. Some people have turnip greens in lieu of cabbage with the peas. In my house, I always have cornbread and peas, and once in awhile have Ham, and sometimes cabbage or turnip greens, depending on who all is here. But, always peas and cornbread! Hey, I'm not leaving anything to chance - I want good luck!

Thanks, Nana! Sounds interesting...and peas, cabbage, and ham!!!.....YUM! Now I know what I'm eating next year on Jan 1st!!!

[noelsarchs]

I have when I lived in Dallas from 1981-86. My ex made them every year.

Haven't had them since, and I don't think they sell them in the UK. IN fact, the food over here just plain sucks. The beer is pretty good though.