Black-eye Peas and New Years?
Thought?
How old of a tradition is the eating of black-eyed peas on New Years and where does it come from? Does anyone still do this? Just checking...
Wendy McKim said:
On New Year's Day in the American South, black-eyed peas are traditionally eaten. In some areas of the South, they are part of a traditional dish called "Hoppin' John", made of peas cooked with rice, pork (such as hog jowls, fatback, neckbone, or hock), and seasonings. Residents of other parts of the South may eat them simply with fatback, or with a hot chili sauce. It is supposed to bring good luck and also financial enrichment. The peas stand for the coins, while collard or mustard greens that are served with hoppin' john symbolize paper money. Corn bread also usually accompanies this meal.
These traditions date back to the U.S Civil War, especially in areas ravaged by General Sherman. Sherman's troops, among those of other commanders, would typically strip the countryside of all food and livestock and destroy what they couldn't carry away. At that time, northerners considered "field peas" as they called them, and corn only fit for animal fodder, and as a result didn't steal or destroy them. This mistake allowed many southerners to survive on these humble foods.
These traditions date back to the U.S Civil War, especially in areas ravaged by General Sherman. Sherman's troops, among those of other commanders, would typically strip the countryside of all food and livestock and destroy what they couldn't carry away. At that time, northerners considered "field peas" as they called them, and corn only fit for animal fodder, and as a result didn't steal or destroy them. This mistake allowed many southerners to survive on these humble foods.
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