In parts of the South there is a tradition of eating black-eyed peas and greens on New Year's Day. The black-eyed peas are for luck in the new year and greens are for money in the new year. Not being a daughter of the South.....I got here as soon as I could.....I had never heard of this tradition but from the moment I learned of it I decided I wasn't going to mess with success and I prepare these two dishes on New Year's Day.
The popular way to prepare the black-eyed peas is to cook a pot of Hoppin' John,
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and the greens are usually collard greens or mustard greens.
Today I was curious about the history of these two traditions. I found out the practice of eating black-eyed peas dates back to the Civil War. Sherman's troops destroyed or stole other crops, as they marched through Georgia and South Carolina, but ignored the black-eyed pea thus becoming a major food source for Southerners....thus the "luck". Collard or mustard greens were grown in the late fall so were plentiful as the new year approached, and being green symbolize money.
I wish all of you (y'all) a year of luck and money in 2013.
South Carolina has a very unique design on the state flag, the palmetto tree and crescent moon. Both symbols date back to the Revolutionary War.I made a set of glasses with the symbol for my step-son who now resides in North Carolina, but who's heart is still in the "Palmetto State".
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and the greens are usually collard greens or mustard greens. 
