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

Here in the South, food has always been an important part of New Year’s traditions, especially the traditional New Year’s Day meal. Each year, many Alabama families eat this traditional New Year’s Day meal, which usually consists of black-eyed peas, collard greens, pork and cornbread. According to superstition, these particular food items will bring luck, wealth and happiness in the new year.

For more information on why these particular food items are such a traditional staple in most Southern homes on New Year’s Day, read below.

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Black-eyed peas are a symbol of "luck." Many people believe that you should cook them with a new dime or penny, and whoever gets it in their portion will receive extra luck in the coming year. The luck of black-eyed peas dates all the way back to the Civil War. When the Confederates' food supplies were raided by Union Soldiers, the only things left behind were black-eyed peas and salt pork. The Confederates felt "lucky" because they were able to survive the winter on these two food items.

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Here in the South, collard greens are a symbol of "wealth." If you want to become rich in the coming year, be sure to fill up on collard greens on New Year's Day. One of the superstitions that goes along with collard greens is that you'll receive $1,000 in the coming year with each bite you take on New Year's Day.

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Pork is a symbol of "luck and prosperity." Many people believe that the more pork you eat on New Year's Day, the thicker your wallet will be in the coming year. A popular pork dish that's served at many New Year's dinners in the South is baked ham. Hog jowl is also popular. Hog jowl is often mixed in with the black-eyed peas and eaten to ensure health, prosperity and progress. Both baked ham and hog jowl go perfectly with black-eyed peas and collard greens.

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Like collard greens, cornbread is a symbol of "wealth," specifically spending or pocket money. It's also the perfect accompaniment to black-eyed peas, collard greens and pork. The color of cornbread represents "gold" or "coin" money, so it only makes sense that it's a symbol of "wealth."

flickr/I Believe I Can Fry

This traditional Southern New Year's Day meal is the perfect way to kick off 2017.

Do you and your family celebrate New Year’s Day with this traditional meal? If so, has it ever brought you wealth, luck or happiness? Share your stories with us!

For more food favorites, Here Are 26 Foods That People In Alabama Simply Can’t Get Enough Of.

Happy New Year!