We all have our own New Year’s traditions that help us bring in the New Year in a positive way whether it is making specific foods or just simply cleaning. Within black culture, we often bring in the New Year with food like black-eyed peas and greens. Green vegetables such as collard greens are said to help you gain greater financial prosperity in the New Year. Meanwhile, black-eyed peas are supposed to promise good luck, health and abundance.
Black-eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese
In Haitian culture, they make the traditional Soup Joumou or "freedom soup." It is a pumpkin-based soup mixed with beef, potatoes, and vegetables. It started after Haiti gained its freedom from France on January 1, 1804. Eating Soup Joumou for New Year’s represents liberation, pride and freedom.
What are your traditions for starting the New Year?
