OPEN POST: HAPPY NEW YEAR! A Heartfelt Tradition for African Americans to Bring In the New Year.
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, many look forward to new beginnings, fresh starts, and the promise of good fortune in the year ahead. This hope is beautifully embodied in a beloved tradition in the Southern United States: the New Year's Day meal of black-eyed peas and collard greens. This delightful combination is not just about the food; it celebrates culture, resilience, and togetherness.
The origins of this tradition trace back to West Africa, where black-eyed peas were cherished not only for their nutritional value but also as symbols of good luck and protection against misfortune. When enslaved Africans were brought to America, they carried these beliefs with them, weaving them into the fabric of their new lives.
During the Civil War, a fascinating story emerged. Union troops, believing black-eyed peas were fit only for livestock, left them behind when they raided Confederate food supplies. Those who remained found sustenance in these humble legumes, transforming them into a symbol of survival and hope during difficult times.
Every element of the New Year's Day meal holds a special meaning:
Black-Eyed Peas: Often thought to represent coins, they symbolize prosperity and wealth.
Collard Greens: These leafy greens represent paper money, adding to the hope for financial abundance.
Cornbread: This comforting staple stands for gold, rounding out a meal rich in symbolism and flavor.
Many families enjoy fun rituals around this meal—like eating precisely 365 black-eyed peas or hiding a coin in the pot for an extra dash of luck. These little traditions add warmth and joy to the celebration. This New Year's meal is a heartfelt connection to history and heritage for many African American families. It commemorates the Emancipation Proclamation, which took effect on January 1, 1863. Each bite reminds us of resilience and strength in overcoming adversity.
Gathering around the table to share this meal fosters a sense of community and belonging. It's a time for families and friends to come together, reflect on the past year, and share hopes for the future. Today, this cherished practice extends beyond its Southern roots. Families across America have embraced this tradition regardless of their background, often adding unique twists while maintaining its core meanings. Whether it's a spicy twist on collard greens or a family recipe for cornbread, each meal tells a story of love and connection. Several times, my tía said she would do it. It was a straight-up meal reflecting our Afro-Latin roots with the spices, and we loved the twist. It brought it all together. I feel close to my heritage with this meal and history; it is a way to pass it on to my kids.
As you prepare to welcome the new year next year, consider making black-eyed peas and collard greens part of your celebration. This warm and hearty meal is more than just food; it's an invitation to reflect on our shared history, celebrate resilience, and embrace hope for what lies ahead. Here's to good luck and prosperity in the coming year!
My menu: Fried chicken, greens (not collards but hearty greens mix from the ethnic shops) with smoked ham bone and bits, black-eyed peas, caste iron cornbread, okra, and tomatoes, ribs made by BIL, and apple cobbler with homemade vanilla ice cream. My fried chicken has a kick, and I put some spices in the flour. My secret is to cover it as it fries; it gets the flavor to the bone. I don't fry it at the absolute highest temp. One mistake is to do that and cook it too quickly, making great crispy skin but flavorless meat. I get asked for my chicken constantly by people who taste it. I like free-range because the meat isn't as tough, but it isn't always possible and is still tasty. Juicy, tender, full of flavor, and yummy.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Thank you for making this place a cozy, safe harbor full of friendship and support. Every article I write tells each of you that you hold a dear place in my heart. I genuinely love you and want happiness for you. Thank you for accepting my imperfections without judgment, which is rare to find in the world. Stay whorish, funny, snarky, lovely and everything you are, There are not enough words in the universe to say what it is my heart. Let's keep it going; what do you say?
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