New Year’s Eve superstitions vary from state to state, country to country, and culture to culture. From the superstitions involving the “first footer” or first person to cross the threshold of your house after midnight, to not washing any article of clothing on New Year’s Day, superstitions can be quite unusual. However, there is one New Year’s superstition in Georgia that has held strong from the days of Sherman’s March through the state during the Civil War. By eating this particular dish on New Year’s Day, you’re in the running for a healthy dose of prosperity, luck, and happiness for the upcoming year.
Black eyed peas on New Year’s Day is said to be the best way to bring prosperity, luck, and happiness in the upcoming year.
Flickr woodleywonderworks
Of course, we’re not talking about these Black Eyed Peas, though they may help liven up a party.
Flickr Craig ONeal
We’re talking about the black eyed peas that you eat…
Flickr I Believe I Can Fry
…that pair extremely well with collard greens.
Flickr I Believe I Can Fry
But what is it that makes black eyed peas a traditionally lucky New Year’s meal in Georgia?
Flickr Taz
As the story goes, during Sherman’s March through Georgia, the Union troops raided Confederate fields and food supplies.
Flickr CircaSassy
However, since black eyed peas were considered animal foods at the time (also known as cow peas), the Union troops left them behind.
Flickr Global Environment Facility
The Confederates considered themselves lucky to be left with such rations, as those were the only foods that kept them alive throughout the winter.
Flickr Mark Fischer
Black eyed peas became a symbol of luck in the South from that point on.
Flickr Artizone
So, if there is one thing in Georgia to do on New Year’s Day to guarantee luck, happiness, and wealth—it is adding black eyed peas to the menu.
Flickr danuv
Is this one of the Georgia traditions your family participates in? Share your stories with us! Or better yet, share with us how you prepare your black eyed peas ;).
Flickr woodleywonderworks
Flickr Craig ONeal
Flickr I Believe I Can Fry
Flickr Taz
Flickr CircaSassy
Flickr Global Environment Facility
Flickr Mark Fischer
Flickr Artizone
Flickr danuv
If you’re still looking for unique things to do this New Year’s in Georgia, check out These 8 Towns In Georgia Have The Most Spectacular New Year Celebrations.
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New Year’s Superstition in Georgia November 01, 2019 Marisa Roman Are there any other superstitions in Georgia? While there are plenty of Georgia traditions to mention, when New Year’s rolls around, people often wonder about the Georgia superstitions in order to bring in good luck the following year. In the South, there are quite a few crazy superstitions worth mentioning, from not having bare cupboards in the new year to not taking out the trash until January 2nd. It seems a bit strange, but growing up in Georgia meant that your superstitions were just as important as your resolutions. For instance, nothing goes out of the house until January 2nd, otherwise, you risk losing things during the upcoming year. What are the most popular traditions in Georgia? There are a few popular traditions in Georgia that most southerners can relate to. Traditions involving sports, for instance, are huge, depending on which sport you’re rooting for. For example, ringing the chapel bell after a Georgia football victory is a big tradition. Other Georgia traditions revolve around food. Some might say that having a barbecue on certain holidays is a tradition, while some might consider going to church every Sunday and Wednesday to be their own personal tradition. Traditions in Georgia can be as simple as greeting someone by saying “sir” or “ma’am” or sitting on the porch for hours with family just enjoying the peace and quiet. What is the most bizarre superstition in Georgia? Sometimes coming across Georgia superstitions that are a bit wacky is the most fun of all. There are quite a few ridiculous things that we, as human beings, do in order to bring about luck and ward off evil. Some of these superstitions though have no rhyme or reason, but yet, we do them anyway. Perhaps the most bizarre superstition to come out of Georgia involves Halloween. Supposedly if you catch a snail on Halloween and place it in a covered dish, the next day there will be a trail of slime from the snail that will be the first letter of your future sweetheart’s name.
The OIYS Visitor Center
New Year’s Superstition in Georgia
November 01, 2019
Marisa Roman
Are there any other superstitions in Georgia? While there are plenty of Georgia traditions to mention, when New Year’s rolls around, people often wonder about the Georgia superstitions in order to bring in good luck the following year. In the South, there are quite a few crazy superstitions worth mentioning, from not having bare cupboards in the new year to not taking out the trash until January 2nd. It seems a bit strange, but growing up in Georgia meant that your superstitions were just as important as your resolutions. For instance, nothing goes out of the house until January 2nd, otherwise, you risk losing things during the upcoming year. What are the most popular traditions in Georgia? There are a few popular traditions in Georgia that most southerners can relate to. Traditions involving sports, for instance, are huge, depending on which sport you’re rooting for. For example, ringing the chapel bell after a Georgia football victory is a big tradition. Other Georgia traditions revolve around food. Some might say that having a barbecue on certain holidays is a tradition, while some might consider going to church every Sunday and Wednesday to be their own personal tradition. Traditions in Georgia can be as simple as greeting someone by saying “sir” or “ma’am” or sitting on the porch for hours with family just enjoying the peace and quiet. What is the most bizarre superstition in Georgia? Sometimes coming across Georgia superstitions that are a bit wacky is the most fun of all. There are quite a few ridiculous things that we, as human beings, do in order to bring about luck and ward off evil. Some of these superstitions though have no rhyme or reason, but yet, we do them anyway. Perhaps the most bizarre superstition to come out of Georgia involves Halloween. Supposedly if you catch a snail on Halloween and place it in a covered dish, the next day there will be a trail of slime from the snail that will be the first letter of your future sweetheart’s name.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While there are plenty of Georgia traditions to mention, when New Year’s rolls around, people often wonder about the Georgia superstitions in order to bring in good luck the following year. In the South, there are quite a few crazy superstitions worth mentioning, from not having bare cupboards in the new year to not taking out the trash until January 2nd. It seems a bit strange, but growing up in Georgia meant that your superstitions were just as important as your resolutions. For instance, nothing goes out of the house until January 2nd, otherwise, you risk losing things during the upcoming year.
What are the most popular traditions in Georgia?
There are a few popular traditions in Georgia that most southerners can relate to. Traditions involving sports, for instance, are huge, depending on which sport you’re rooting for. For example, ringing the chapel bell after a Georgia football victory is a big tradition. Other Georgia traditions revolve around food. Some might say that having a barbecue on certain holidays is a tradition, while some might consider going to church every Sunday and Wednesday to be their own personal tradition. Traditions in Georgia can be as simple as greeting someone by saying “sir” or “ma’am” or sitting on the porch for hours with family just enjoying the peace and quiet.
What is the most bizarre superstition in Georgia?
Sometimes coming across Georgia superstitions that are a bit wacky is the most fun of all. There are quite a few ridiculous things that we, as human beings, do in order to bring about luck and ward off evil. Some of these superstitions though have no rhyme or reason, but yet, we do them anyway. Perhaps the most bizarre superstition to come out of Georgia involves Halloween. Supposedly if you catch a snail on Halloween and place it in a covered dish, the next day there will be a trail of slime from the snail that will be the first letter of your future sweetheart’s name.
