Black-eyed peas are the most common New Year’s Day food thought to bring good luck. But green beans and collards are also commonly consumed, meant to symbolize money given their color. Although many people eat certain food on New Year’s with the hope of it leading to a positive year, others simply have annual traditions they’re continuing.
This begs the question “Why beans on new years?”
They are an excellent source of protein, low in fat and exceptionally high in fiber. They are also a good source of calcium, iron, folic acid and potassium. Perhaps it is because beans are so economical that the custom of eating them on New Year’s Day for prosperity exists in so many cultures.
Supposedly greens are a go-to New Year’s Eve food because they resemble money. This year, find out what “ Auld Lang Syne ” actually means. Beans, like greens, resemble money; more specifically, they symbolize coins. Traditionally, in the American South, beans are combined with rice and bacon for a lucky New Year’s Eve dish called Hoppin’ John.
What food is eaten on New Year’s Day?
Starting in the Carolinas – but later extending throughout the South – Hoppin’ John (blackeye peas and rice) and greens (collard, mustard, or turnip,) became traditional New Year’s fare. Blackeye peas to bring luck, and greens to represent money and prosperity.
Here are a few possible explanations: 1 “Eat poor on New Year’s, and eat fat the rest of the year” is a popular Southern expression, according to The Farmers’ Almanac. 2 Black-eyed peas swell when they’re cooked, which symbolizes an expansion of wealth. 3 Dried beans (kind of, if you squint) look like coins.
Should you eat peas on New Year’s Day?
“Eat poor on New Year’s, and eat fat the rest of the year” is a popular Southern expression, according to The Farmers’ Almanac. If you believe that theory, it makes perfect sense to dine on peas on January 1.
This, according to the story, is why black-eyed peas have been eaten on every New Year’s Day since. Though black-eyed peas are associated with general good luck, most widely circulated traditions — for one reason or another — link that fortune with monetary gain.
Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is a time honored tradition. Not to be confused with green peas (or the hip hop band!), black-eyed peas are actually a kind of bean. There are a few different reasons why they’re associated with luck on New Year’s Day.
What greens are good for New Year’s Day?
Black-eyed peas naturally go hand-in-hand with greens as a great combination, but greens themselves are known to be lucky for New Year’s. Why do people eat collard greens on New Years? It’s all about the green, which symbolizes money and prosperity.