Hamman’s Baytown History….with a Twist

Group created on September 10, 2016

Russell Hamman

I will have black-eyed peas tomorrow. Will you?

Here’s a little folklore on the subject.

Why Are Black Eyed Peas Good Luck?

The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. At first, planted as food for livestock, and later a food staple for poor folks in the South, the fields of black-eyed peas were ignored as Sherman’s troops destroyed or stole other crops, thereby giving the humble, but nourishing, black-eyed pea an important role as a major food source for surviving Confederates

Served with greens (collards, mustard or turnip greens, which varies regionally), the peas represent coins and the greens represent paper money.

In some areas, cabbage is used in place of the greens.

Cornbread often served with black-eyed peas and greens, represents gold.

For the best chance of luck every day in the year ahead, one must eat at least 365 black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day.

Black-eyed peas eaten with stewed tomatoes represent wealth and health.

In some areas, actual values are assigned with the black-eyed peas representing pennies or up to a dollar each and the greens representing anywhere from one to a thousand dollars.

Adding a shiny penny or dime to the pot just before serving is another tradition practiced by some. When served, the person whose bowl contains the penny or dime receives the best luck for the New Year, unless of course, the recipient swallows the coin, which would be a rather unlucky way to start off the year.

Happy New Year to all of you,

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