Blackeyed peas and collard greens are a Southern United States tradition on New Year’s Day. These are said to bring prosperity in the New Year. The blackeyed peas represent coins and the collard greens represent money. Many Southerners eat cornbread alongside these dishes, representing gold. For best luck, you should eat at least 365 peas, one for every day of the year.

Both dishes are traditionally made with ham hocks or fatback, but you can make them vegetarian as well. Blackeyed peas | Collard greens

Hoppin’ John is another popular New Year’s dish, made with blackeyed peas, rice, and smoked ham.

Blackeyed peas and collard greens with fatback. Photo by author. My writing assistant, who likes foods the same color as her hair, is eyeing the greens.

Happy New Year!