I’ve made it a tradition to serve up good luck black-eyed peas on New Year’s Eve, along with a hefty helping of sautéed green kale. Beans, like several other round foods, symbolize coins. As the south rebuilt after the war, black-eyed peas became a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
On the same note, greens are a New Year’s Eve tradition because they represent money. As the Southern saying goes, “peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold.” Sounds like a richly delicious meal to me.
Every country & culture has their own set of New Year’s traditions for luck, good fortune, health & prosperity – from grapes to pork to pomegranate.
In Japan, soba is considered the lucky New Year’s food of choice. Apparently long noodles are supposed to symbolize a long life. To find even more foods to eat at the strike of midnight, check it out here.
Mix & match a variety of fortunate foods to create your own unique celebratory feast. Start by trying this tried & true recipe for black-eyed peas.
Happy New Year to you & yours! May the year ahead bring an abundance of health, wealth & delicious food your way…Enjoy!