Morgan Ashleigh

I adore traditions, especially when they stem from superstition. New Year’s Day has a sense of beginnings and we like to set ourselves up for success. I don’t fall into the habit of making resolutions. However, I like the idea that there are things I can do that can yield a better year to come.

The thing we love best in the South is an excuse to eat good food. We are probably the only region in the country that encourages eating on New Year’s Day, dietary resolutions irrelevant.

What You Must Eat on New Years:

1. Pulled Pork

Really any pork dish will suffice, but why wouldn’t anyone choose barbecue?

Pork is a sign of prosperity. Why? We believe it is because pigs root forward, never backwards. If you want to succeed, you got to keep moving forward. So, enjoy the pulled pork sandwich or the leftover Christmas ham.

2. Collared Greens

Again, any greens will do: boiled cabbage, mustard greens, kale, spinach, char, or even sauerkraut. But, collared greens are the superior Southern vegetable, mostly because my Nanny cooks them in bacon grease.

Greens are a symbol for money (specifically folding money). To eat greens on New Year’s Day is to invite wealth into the year.

3. Black-Eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas are not to be substituted. These beans bring about good luck into the new year. This is because the vegetable resembles coins for a double-dip of fortune into your life.

4. Cornbread

Corn kernels represent coins as well, only these are specifically gold coins. Eating cornbread is an additional source of wealth. Why? Because we really can’t afford to not have many methods to bring more money into this economy.

What Not to Eat:

Along with traditions for luck, there are equally bad omens that can curse your year.

1. Seafood

This is difficult, because I live on the Gulf Coast. The best seafood in the country is at my local grocery store, but I have to refrain on New Year’s Day.

People believe lobster is a source of bad luck, because lobsters swim backwards. Moving backwards can cause your year to regress. And while lobsters do not swim in the Gulf of Mexico, my family says we do not take the risk with any sea life. So, I don’t.

2. Chicken

Another hard thing to avoid eating any day. But, like the lobster, chickens scratch backwards. You get the idea.

An added bit of bad luck is that since chickens are winged, a chicken may cause your luck to fly away. On this logic, it is best to avoid eating any birds during the New Year.

“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” – Brad Paisley

I hope you have a great New Year. I’m going into 2025 feeling optimistic…but I better eat some pork and cornbread just to make sure.