How did black-eyed peas get to be the New Year bean?

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Question How did black-eyed peas get to be the New Year bean?

Answer The black-eyed pea, also known as Southern pea, field pea or cow pea, is thought to have originated in North Africa. It may have been introduced into India as long as 3,000 years ago, and was also a staple of Greek and Roman diets. Peas were probably introduced to the Americas by Spanish explorers and African slaves.

Back in the time of the Pharaohs, black-eyed peas were a symbol of luck and fortune. They believed the wrath of the heavens would be felt by vain people. Since heavenly wrath was not a good thing, people would try to avoid it by showing their humility. A favorite way of doing that was by eating the lowly black-eyed peas, which were used as a feed for livestock.

Eating black-eyed peas on January the first is primarily a Southern tradition in the United States. It is widely believed this tradition began during the War for Southern Independence (aka Civil War). As the story goes, northern soldiers raided a regional food supply one New Year's eve. In addition to stealing their food, they burned all of their edible crops. The one field left unharmed was a field of black-eyed peas that the northern soldiers believed to be a field of weeds. On New Year’s Day, the field of black-eyed peas stood between the southerners and starvation. In remembrance of this day, the tradition of black-eyed peas began.

Throughout the South, black-eyed peas are usually eaten with ham or some cut of pork (hog jowls). The hog, and its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Most Southerners also eat some form of greens like cabbage, turnip greens or collards. These green leaves are supposed to represent paper money and the black-eyed peas are supposed to represent coins. This New Year meal is symbolic of our hopes of prosperity and good luck in the coming year. Isn't it ironic that the ancient Egyptians used this bean to be more humble, and we use it to be more prosperous?

If you do not like the taste of these nutritious legumes, then you may wish to take this last superstitious option. The basic idea is that each black-eyed pea eaten on New Year’s Day ensures one day of good luck in the coming year. You may then add the clause that the peas must be eaten before noon to bring good luck. This superstition will give you the most reward with the least ball game interference.

To see a pop version of Black Eyed Peas with a good question to start the New Year, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucRzVGSgCgs For info on growing peas, visit http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/vegetables/crops/hgic1319.html If you don’t have internet access, then call me at (910) 893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org

Considering the state of our economy, every Pharaoh/politician in Washington ought to be eating black-eyed peas three times a day, every day of the year. Happy New Year!

Gary L. Pierce

Horticulture Extension Agent

Harnett County