Why do people eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day?

by Cookthink

It's a tradition in the American South to eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. Why? Black-eyed peas symbolize good luck and prosperity. Some believe that the black-eyed peas represent the "coins," while the winter greens they're often served with represent the "dollars." Eating them together on New Year's Day is supposed to guarantee many of both in the year to come. Others believe more generally that, like the peas swelling as they cook, the person eating them will swell with good fortune. Recipe: Hoppin' John Recipe: Black-Eyed Pea Salad With Parsley