Every New Year’s Day for as long as I have been born, we have had black eyed peas and collards for our meal. I thought it was just a tradition in our family. But, over the years, I have discovered it is a true Southern tradition throughout the South. For generations, this meal is served on the first day of the new year. But do you know why?
Where Did this Tradition Originate?
Well, being a Southern Belle and Native American myself, I just thought it was a family tradition to our specific family. But as I got older, I realized that just about everyone, in the US at least, had this meal on the first day of the New Year. Many tables will have black eyed peas and collards served on them on this day. Basically for the same reason as I did, it is tradition. But the tradition came from somewhere.
You know me. I did my research and it took a good while. It seems that the tradition itself cannot be pinpointed down to an exact time or culture. But, most historian agree that it definitely originated here in the South. Most also agree that it is deep rooted in the plantations, with the Black and Native American Slaves. As the plantation owners celebrated Christmas, they would slaughter hogs, cows and chickens to be served. The slaves could have the “unusable” meat as a holiday gift. Neck bones, wings and other boney meat parts were used in stews.
In the South, collards are planted in late September and early October. They grow well in cold weather. And any true Southern knows you don’t harvest collards until the first frost hits them. They are too bitter and young until then. You want them tender yet seasoned. So, as a result, this was an available vegetable at this time of the year. The peas were from dried crops of either field peas or cowpeas from the summer harvest. This meal was a treat for the slaves during this time of year.
What Is the Meaning behind Eating Black Eyed Peas and Collards on New Year’s Day?
Because the origin of the tradition is still up for debate, likewise is the meaning and how it came about. Although the slaves lived in deplorable conditions, they always seemed to live long, be healthy and have few medical issues. Based on my assumptions, it would seem that the owners took note of this phenomenon and wanted to see what they did different. It seemed that the first day of the new year they all ate the same thing. Thereby, they seemed to prosper with overall well-being and good health.
As other people adopted this meal on this day, the black eyed peas and collards took on a new meaning. The black eyed peas represented coins. The collards represented paper money, as that was the currency at the time. So, with this being the equation, the more peas and collards you ate, the more coins and dollars you would receive in the new year. As a result, you would be prosperous with overall well-being and have good health.
Tradition or Work Ethic?
Now, those being skeptical will ask this question. Were they prosperous because they thought they were or because of what they ate. Well, with the psychological aspect behind it, when people feel good and have a good positive and mental attitude, it reflects in their daily output in work and energy. As a result, they accomplish more. Maybe they exercise and eat better. They could also have a better mindset and direction. Because of this new attitude on life, they set goals and followed through with them.
The speculation is endless on why this tradition seems to render results based on black eye peas and collards. I have always thought it is a mind thing. If you believe it, with your whole being, then you will strive to achieve it.
Changes in the Meal Plan to Black Eyed Peas and Collards
Over the generation, there have been some additions to this meal. Although, here in the South we are still very traditional with this meal. As for me and my family, we have added a few additions to it. As this is a meal we will eat on throughout the day, it needs some added foods to help it along.
At my house, I use the bone from the ham we had at Christmas to cook the peas on. I leave as much ham on the bone as possible, then wrap it in foil and place in Ziploc bag and freeze. I also cut up a whole medium size onion and add bell peppers as well to the peas while they are cooking. Collards are either fried or boiled. This is really your preference. I like them either way. But you must use either fatback grease or bacon grease to season your collards. Otherwise, they will not taste as good. I also cut up just about a handful of onions to add to my collards.
Now added dished for this meal that I have is rice. I use parboiled long grain rice. This type of rice does not get sticky or mushy as you reheat it. Uncle Ben’s rice is one of the best for this type of meal. Then you will need your meats. Most people have some type of pork. I like pork but I also cook some chicken as well. As this is a meal you will be eating on all day, having a variety of meats is only a plus.
The Finishing Touches To this Meal
Then you need your cornbread. I have fried cornbread but some like cornbread cake. Again this is your preference. Others like to have biscuits with this meal. But any true Southern knows you have cornbread with collards!!!
This meal is usually served with fresh made iced tea. I flavor my tea as well. Using a bit of mint sprig or fruit, place in a tea baller or bag and boil with your tea. It will taste amazing. Or you can fancy it up a bit and serve a chilled wine with this meal and really spruce it up.
Black Eye Peas and Collards – A New Year’s Day Tradition
In my conclusion of this article, where this tradition stemmed isn’t really an issues. The fact that it exists and is so widely known about is why I wrote it. Growing up, I thought it was just my family who observed this tradition. So, when I started serving it to my family, image my surprise in not being able to find black eye peas and collards at the grocery store the day before. They are completely sold out. It seems that a lot of people are looking to reap the benefits of this wonderful tradition.
Eating your black eyes peas and collards to help you prosper with overall well-being, health and financial gain seems to be something everyone is looking for. As a result of this meal, in my opinion, it sets off a mindset of prosperity, drive, determination and the fulfillment of goals and achievement. Thereby, we become a more determined group of people.
As a tradition goes, this one of eating black eyed peas and collards, appears to be one that people really can adhere to for the long hall. As a bonus, here is my meal plan for family meal of Black-Eyed Peas and Collards:
- Black eyed peas
- Collards
- Ham
- Chicken
- Rice
- Cornbread (fried in patties)
- Sausage links – cut in circles and fried
- Fresh Sweet Raspberry Flavored tea and Coke
- If you want, your favorite wine would also pair well with this for Dinner.
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