Happy New Year's Eve!!! This year we are finally participating in the old southern tradition to make Black-eyed Peas for good luck in the new year...oh, and if you add some greens you'll be rich too, lol.
In case you haven't heard of this tradition, and if you're interested, here's some history and info about this little legume...The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved into a number of variations and embellishments of the luck and prosperity theme including:
- Served with greens (collards, mustard or turnip greens, which varies regionally), the peas represent coins and the greens represent paper money. In some areas cabbage is used in place of the greens.
- Cornbread, often served with black-eyed peas and greens, represents gold.
- For the best chance of luck every day in the year ahead, one must eat at least 365 black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. (ugg)
- Adding a shiny penny or dime to the pot just before serving is another tradition practiced by some. When served, the person whose bowl contains the penny or dime receives the best luck for the New Year, unless of course, the recipient swallows the coin, which would be a rather unlucky way to start off the year. (ouch)
To sum it up..."Greens for riches, and 'Peas for peace and prosperity". Oh, and the hubby and I decided to start our own tradition by throwing in a kiss and a bottle of champagne or two for extra good luck. ;) So, I hope everyone enjoys the Full Blue Moon that won't happen again on NYE until 2028 and I wish you all a fun and safe New Year's Eve...
"Good luck everybody"!
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