Should black eyed peas be eaten on New Years Eve or Day?

Question

I have heard very conflicting statements that state either time for this tradition to be done. In many other cultures they have food to be eaten on the eve, midnight, or the day. Does anyone know the "real" way this southern tradition should be celbrated and why?
Thank you

Answer 1

Back in the days of the Wild West, Southern gentility, and Northern hostility, our celebrated blackeyed peas were used strictly for the feeding of cattle in the South. During the Civil War battle of Vicksburg, the town was under siege for over 40 days.

No supplies went in and none came out. The entire town was on the brink of starvation. So they ate those humble "cowpeas," thus starting a southern tradition. Nowadays, blackeyes are eaten every New Year's Day to bring good luck for the coming year. All the way back to the days of the Pharaoh, blackeyed peas have been a symbol of luck and fortune.

The superstition is that those who eat blackeyes, an inexpensive and modest food, show their humility and save themselves from the wrath of the heavens because of the vanity they might have. Blackeyed peas are neither a pea nor a bean. They are lentils.

A staple in the Southern diet for over 300 years, black-eyed peas have long been associated with good luck and are traditionally eaten on New Year's Day.

Greens, thought to symbolize money, are often eaten with the peas. Hoppin' John, a dish made with black-eyed peas and rice, is one of the more popular ways of serving them.

Answer 2

just after midnight or whenever on new years day, I know that it dates back to the civil war times but I don't know why....