Families prepare a traditional New Year meal

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- On the first day of the New Year, it’s a tradition for some families to celebrate with a “southern” meal…black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread.

For years, households have prepared this dish hoping to start the new year in the right direction.

Dozens are heading to the nearest grocery stores filling carts for their new year feast.

LaNedra Tate says her family’s dish has been passed down for generations.

” We’ve been actually doing this as a tradition for like 30-something years or more and it’s actually become a family favorite so we do it as a tradition,” said Tate.

Tate says black-eyed peas, collard greens, and cornbread are just a few items on her list.

” They say mixed greens are for money and black-eyed peas are to bring you luck. It’s just good to be with family this year and to spend time together,” said Tate.

Arthur Brown says adding pork to the menu will bring prosperity.

” I have sweet potatoes. We have greens, black-eyed peas, hammocks, turkey necks, and corn on the cob,” said Brown.

While others stick to the traditional menu, Leah Beasley is trying a new recipe this year.

” I’m going to have some vegetable eggs and blueberry pancakes,” said Beasley.

Regardless of what meal you eat this year, people are grateful to enter 2021 with their loved ones.

” I have a lot of hope and positivity. My faith is very strong to me so I hope I can continue to portray that and put some good stuff out into the world,” said Beasley.

” I’m thankful for God sparing my life one more time, and my family and we’re so grateful,” said Brown.

” I’m hoping we can get past this COVID-19 so we can get together and have a brighter future into the 2021 year,” said Tate.

The old saying goes ‘Add a dime to your black-eyed peas, whoever gets the dime will have extra luck in the new year.’