Thursday, December 31, 2009

Give Me Cabbage & Black eyed peas...Please!

Well butter my butt and call it a biscuit! Once again I have learned something new. I had no idea that eating Black eyed pea's, and greens or cabbage on New Year's Day is "more of a southern tradition." OK, I have to admit that we Southerners do tend to assume that the rest of the world live and think as we do. But seriously...I really did think that everyone ate Black-eyed peas and cabbage on New Year's day.

I was talking with a dear friend of mine from up North last night and I mentioned that I had already bought my cabbage, black eyed peas, and a pork roast for our New Years Day feast...and she responded with "Eww WHY!?!"

"Why? Well, because it's a tradition." I proceeded to explain the tradition that my family has followed as far back as I can recall.


The black-eyed peas are considered a symbol of good luck; and the cabbage, as well as turnip, collards and mustard greens, are considered a symbol of money. The cabbage can be prepared in any form. It is sometimes cooked and sometimes served as cole slaw.


My mother always cooked some kind of Pork...usually a pork roast. It is rich in fat and signifies wealth and prosperity. I do recall my mother served Corned Beef a few times. I am not certain why but... it was probably because my uncle was a farmer and he probably gave us a brine-cured brisket for the holidays.

"You don't really believe all that do you?" my friend asked.

Well, no...I don't believe that a little black cloud of bad luck will hover over my head all year if I fail to eat my black-eyed pea's. I don't really think that we will come into extra money if I feed my family cabbage or greens on January 1st. It is simply a tradition.

Why do I follow this tradition? Because it brings the family to the table for a meal on the first day of the year. I think traditions that bring families and friends together are needed more than ever. I am very proud as I prepare the meal knowing that not only did my mother do the same for her family...but so did her mother and so on and so forth.

As I sit and eat with my family, listing to the conversations, the stories, the corny jokes my husband WILL tell, and the laughter...I know that I am lucky, and rich beyond anything money could buy.

Happy New Year! I hope the year 2010 will be a better year for everyone. May the new year bring peace, love, good fortune and happiness to all!
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A few New Year Traditions and superstitions from around the world.
The Six Lucky Foods For The New Year
Some New Year's Superstitions
Snopes

4 comments:

  1. A very,very Happy New Year to you all too!

    So nice to see you "back"!Have missed your posts.

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  2. Tons of people down here follow the same traditions! My tradition is to NOT cook, lol! I will however go shopping at Michael's with my 25% off coupon tomorrow!!!

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  3. HAPPY NEW YEAR MONICA!! We don't do the peas and cabbage thing but I sure do love the reason you do it!! We are blessed beyond belief, huh?

    May your new year be wonderful, and full of joy, peace, love, hope, and good health!!
    Love and big hugs,
    Becky

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  4. Wishing you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year....Cheers!!!
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    ReplyDelete