why does everyone eat black eyed peas on new years?

Question

how did the tradition start and why?

Answer 1

Since Roman times, beans have been associated with good fortune. This belief evolved into the southern U.S. custom of eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. The tiny legumes, which arrived on ships carrying slaves from Africa , often find their way into a good-luck dish called Hoppin' John, a hearty mixture of black-eyed peas, rice, and salt pork or bacon. Recipe for Hoppin' John. Another popular New Year's Day dish believed to bring good luck is cabbage. And in some cultures, backward-moving creatures such as crayfish and lobster are avoided on New Year's Day, because it's a time to move forward, not back.

Answer 2

It's a Southern thing (USA).

I use to think that this was universal for ALL Southerners, but the older I have gotten, I have realized that each Southern family has their own New Years' tradition as to what must be eaten (black eyed peas are the most common) and each family has their own concept as to what the foods symbolize. I will give you my family's version of the tradition:

Each New Years' Day, we are to eat what WE call Hoppin' John. This is black eyed peas and rice with hog jowls (each family has their own version of Hoppin' John).

The reason is their symbolism: the peas stand for peace, the rice stands for riches, and the jowls stand for health (Hog jowls). They are to be eaten on New Years' Day so you have all three throughout the year.

Also, my family never adds anything else to the dish but salt, pepper, and onions. It sounds too simple to be yummy, but it is unbelievably yummy. I do understand, however, that other families add other ingredients such as garlic and other stuff.

Incidentally, another Southern thing is to eat Corned Beef and Cabbage -although I am not sure that is strictly Southern.

Answer 3

Never heard of that AND never had a black eyed pea in my house.

Answer 4

Don't know, never eaten black eyed peas before.

Answer 5

Its suppose to bring you good luck in the new year, but since I'm not superstitious I eat steamed shrimp with old bay seasoning and champagne on new years eve. New Years day I'm cooking fried pork chops with the fixins'

Answer 6

It's supposed to be good luck for the new year.

Answer 7

It is supposed to bring you good luck and wealth and fortune... I don't know where it started

Answer 8

Just a superstition.

Answer 9

its for good luck

Answer 10

i never heard of that one......