We’re having left-overs today. Does that mean a double portion of good fortune and wealth? Where did this tradition come from, I looked and found a good many different reasons why, each one leading back to fortune and wealth:
Just a few reasons I found . . .
Black-eyed Peas
There are a couple of popular legends about how and why black-eyed peas came to symbolize good fortune in the U.S.:
According to folklore, the Union Army raided the Confederate Army's food supplies during the Civil War. They took everything edible the soldiers had except for the peas and pork, believing they were meant for animals and not for humans. The Confederates were "lucky" to have the remaining food to get them through the cold winter.
Another legend holds that slaves ate black-eyed peas on January 1, 1863, the day the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect because they were all they had. This, according to the story, is why black-eyed peas have been eaten every New Year's Day since.
Cabbage
One of the main reasons why cabbage became a popular New Year’s symbol is because of its ability to withstand the winter months. It is one of the hardiest vegetables, and it can survive the harshest of conditions. As a result, it became a symbol of resilience and endurance, which people wanted to emulate in the new year. It was believed that by eating cabbage on New Year’s Day, people would be filled with the same resilience and endurance to face whatever challenges the new year brought.
Cabbage is also associated with purification and renewal, making it a perfect symbol for the start of a new year. It was believed that by eating cabbage, people could cleanse and purify their bodies, getting rid of any negative energy and starting the year with a fresh start.
Folk lore and traditions are nice, but the Word of God is nicer!
All blessings are from the Good Lord. Amen
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Until Next Time
Very interesting, Mary. Thank you for sharing. Now, I want some cabbage. lol
ReplyDeleteI love using up leftovers!
ReplyDeleteI never knew any of this, Mary ... thank you!
ReplyDeleteBack in the 80's while all our friends were out on New Years Eve 'toasting the town' my former husband was boiling big pots of cabbage to use in the traditional cabbage rolls he served at the next day's open house. I don't think I've wanted to taste one since, lol.
We've been finishing up assorted leftovers after Christmas. I hope that means lots of good fortune in the new year.
ReplyDeleteIsaiah 40:31 Is my favorite Bible verse. It's always meant so much to me.
ReplyDeleteI can't eat cabbage and I don't like black eyed peas so I think my luck may not be very good this year. :-)
Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Betsy
Leftovers are my favorite to enjoy - we have certainly enjoyed our share in this holiday season! Cabbage is a favorite of ours as well - thank you for sharing the history behind this season! Happy New Year to you!
ReplyDeleteI love to learn the origins of things. Thank you Mary! I could eat cabbage daily. I just love it. Happy New Year and I hope it brings many blessings for you.
ReplyDelete