It’s December 30, 2024, and we’re staring the end of the year right in the face. There have been ups and downs. As I prepare to blaze into 2025, I intend first, to eat my blackeyed peas.

It’s a tradition hundreds of years old, but new (ish) to me. I wanted to learn more. I want to know why this little “cowpea,” as it’s often called, is a symbol of luck and prosperity.

In my reading I’ve found a couple of reoccurring stories. The first cites the Union Army during the Civil War raiding food supplies and burning crops during battle leaving only behind the blackened pea, which was considered to be livestock feed. With limited food supply , people including slaves and the confederate army turned to blackeyed peas and salt pork to ward off starvation.

Other folklore claim blackeyed peas were eaten by slaves on January 1, 1863. This was the day the Emancipation Proclamation became law, freeing the slaves of the south. They ate them not for luck, and not for celebration, but because it was the only food they had.

Hoppin John, a combination of blackeyed peas, vegetables and pork, served over rice is probably the most common preparation; dating back to the Civil War Era. Later, as folklore and legend grew often a coin was placed in the pot while cooking; whomever was served the coin in their peas would have an extra helping of good fortune in the coming year. it’s also said if you want to ensure a year of good luck and fortune you need to eat 365 of these little beans one for each day and to leave three on your plate, one for good fortune, one for good luck, and the last for luck in romance.

In addition to blackeyed peas, you may want to include a portion of collard greens, representing paper money, as well as cornbread representing gold.

Here’s the recipe I’ll be trying brought to you by Bad Manners, one of my favorite places for great recipes that make amazing meals and share my love of the word FUCK.

https://www.badmanners.com/recipes/hoppin-john