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, trans...