The Mississippi Superstition Will Give You Wealth, Luck, And Happiness In 2017

Ask a Mississippian, and most southerners for that matter, what their New Year’s Day celebration consists of and they’ll undoubtedly mention dining on black-eyed peas, pork, greens, and corn bread. The traditional meal has been served on New Year’s Day in the south for generations, and while it may seem modest, each ingredient signifies something for the upcoming year. So whether you have the meal every year “just because” or are planning to make this quintessential New Year’s fare for the first time, here’s the meaning behind one of the south’s most popular (and delicious) traditions.

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The black-eyed peas are supposed to bring luck. According to some southerners, you have to eat exactly 365 to ensure your luck lasts throughout the year. Eat any less and your luck will run out before year’s end; eat more and every pea over 365 will bring a day of bad luck.

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Aside from adding flavor, pork also serves another purpose – it’s meant to symbolize progress. This idea is based on the fact that, while eating, pigs push forward, rooting their feet in the ground before moving. Additionally, a pig cannot turn its head without turning its entire body; therefore, pigs are always looking to the future and moving forward.

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Just as you’d expect, the greens are meant to symbolize money. Eat a "mess o’ greens" on New Year’s Day, and according to the superstition, you’ll be wallowing in riches in the upcoming year. Taking the tradition one step further, some say you should put a coin in the pot of greens while they’re cooking. Whoever ends up with the coin in their dish will have the most luck in the following year.

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Lastly, you’ll need to indulge on some cornbread (as if you needed a reason). Not only perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from the greens, cornbread represents gold and fortune in the upcoming year.

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Put all the ingredients together, and you get the quintessential New Year’s Day meal. Remember, you have to eat all four items or you can say goodbye to a prosperous 2017.

Will you be eating this traditional dish on New Year’s Day?

If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out “15 Things People From Mississippi Always Have To Explain To Out Of Towners.”