New Year’s Eve Southern Traditions Our Parents Say Will Determine The New Year

This year has been full of unexpected twists and turns that caught us off guard. We’re all ready to leave behind the madness that 2023 has brought into our lives. Despite the ups and downs, we are committed to completing all the traditions we learned growing up. We will not be missing a beat.

Let’s check out a few Southern traditions below:

Start your day by ensuring your house is clean, which should be a “no-brainer.” This includes washing your clothes. Don’t wash your clothes on New Year’s Day. Wash clothes NOW, if you haven’t already. Do not go into the new year with dirty clothes. Washing dishes or doing laundry on New Years’ could result in death in your house that year. The theory is that as you wash the dishes or laundry, you ‘wash away’ the person.

Also, make sure you make a pot of black-eyed peas. The black-eyed peas will bring good luck and prosperity in the New Year! If you aren’t a fan of black-eyed peas, add some meat to it for taste and a side of side rice. There are many recipes to help you out as well. Chicken should not be eaten on the first day of the year, or you will have financial difficulties for the rest of the year.

Next, make some collard greens and cornbread. Collard Greens represent money in the New Year. The southern tradition says that each bite of greens you eat is worth $1,000 in the upcoming year. The Cornbread represents pocket money or spending money. The tradition stems from the color of the bread. Its color represents “gold” or “coin” money.

Lastly, the first person to enter your home after the stroke of midnight will influence the year you’re about to have. Ideally, he should have dark hair, tall, and good-looking. Don’t let a woman near your door before a man crosses the threshold. Women will bring disasters within your home.

What are some traditions that your family considers a must-have?