Bringing In A Lucky New Year

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I grew up in the South in America and bringing in the New Year means black eyed peas, turnip, mustard or collard greens, and ham. The great (or awful depending on how you look at it) thing about having kids is there is inevitably one of these moments. "But why do we have to eat this stuff today? Why? Why? Why?"

I'm not going to lie. I couldn't answer the question(s). But that didn't stop me. I mean, after all that's what the internet is for right?

It turns out that the first Sephardi Jews arrived in Georgia in the 1730's. Around the time of the American Civil War their New Year's traditions started being adopted. 

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Maybe they were hoping they'd have that extra bit of luck. Perhaps it was just a coincidence that the average soldiers food was typically something with a long shelf life, (like dried beans) hardtack (a type of bread as hard as concrete) with an occasional gift of cornmeal when the opportunity arose, and "bacon" or salted beef. However with some more digging I've learned why these particular traditional southern foods symbolize bringing in good luck for the new year.

Black eyed peas: The peas represent prosperity because as they soak they swell.

{I cheated this year and went with canned ones}

The greens: Money, money, mooooney! The greens are the color of money and who couldn't do with more of that right now?

The ham: Because pigs move forward as they root, it's represents a positive motion. 

{Since I didn't have any actual iddy biddy piggies wallowing around in a printed burlap bag, I took a picture of these plastic ones given to my husband for Christmas. }

And there ya go! Mysteries of Southern food traditions deciphered. What are some of your New Years Day traditions? Are any of them lucky?

Before I go, Happy New Years everyone! I've been really fortunate to meet so many people around the world through blogging. May all of your dreams come true for you and your loved ones. Thanks so much for visiting my site and for taking the time to share your thoughts and comments. 

{All info about the mystery of Southern foods and the luck they symbolize from here}

xoxo