Traditions and New Year resolutions

As the New Year rings in around the world and people set their resolutions into place, families gather around the dinner table to partake in meals that are not only tasty but steeped in traditions and legends of wealth and good fortune.

Many places around the world follow traditions with food from folklore. In Spain, it’s grapes, tamales in Mexico, breads and cakes throughout Germany and the Netherlands, and pickled herring in Poland to gain abundance.

In Japan, Soba noodles are thought to represent long life, and here in the US, it’s the mighty black-eyed pea and cabbage. This New Year Food has quite a bit of speculation surrounding its origins.

Historians believe it’s been a tradition for over 1500 years stemming from a Jewish custom. Some believe it’s a symbol of emancipation for previously enslaved African Americans, who were officially freed on New Year's Day after the Civil War.

While there are many roots for the black-eyed pea, its symbolism of good luck and fortune seems to be a staple in everyone’s pot. This simple legume demonstrates humility and a lack of vanity.

The humble nature of the black-eyed pea is echoed by the old expression, “Eat poor on New Year's, and eat fat the rest of the year.” A common side dish to accompany the new year meal is greens or cabbage generally believed to usher in money and wealth due to the color of the leafy accomplice.

Here are a few great southern recipes to bring in a tasty new year full of luck and wealth.