National Black-Eyed Peas Day Date in the current year: January 1, 2025

The black-eyed pea, also known as the black-eyed bean, is one of the most well-known cultivars of the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). It is recognizable by its pale seed coat and characteristic black spot at the hilum, which earned it its name.

Originally from West Africa, black-eyed peas were brought to North America by African slaves in the 17th century. Two centuries later, the renowned agricultural scientist George Washington Carver promoted planting them as a method to prevent soil depletion because, like other legumes, black-eyed peas help enrich soil with nitrogen. Additionally, they have high nutritional value. Over time, black-eyed peas became a staple in soul food and Southern cuisine.

The association between black-eyed peas and prosperity in the new year first emerged in Hoodoo, a spiritual tradition developed by enslaved African Americans in the American South. They are said to resemble coins, so eating them represents a hope for financial gain.

The exact origins of the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day are unclear, but it became widespread sometime after the Civil War. One popular explanation links the tradition to General William T. Sherman’s march of the Union Army to the sea. During this march, the Union Army seized much of the Confederates’ food. However, they left black-eyed pea fields and salted pork untouched because they were thought to be animal feed. Southerners were fortunate to have some provisions remaining to get through the winter. Thus, black-eyed peas came to symbolize good luck. However, there is no evidence to support this story.

Another explanation is that black-eyed peas are associated with emancipated slaves in the South. The Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in states still in rebellion, was issued on January 1, 1863. Even after emancipation, black-eyed peas remained a common food for newly freed Black communities because they were inexpensive, easy to grow, and nutritious. Some historians link the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day to this period of emancipation and survival. The peas symbolize sustenance, resilience, and hope for a better year ahead.

Black-eyed peas are often eaten as part of a dish called Hoppin’ John, also known as Carolina peas and rice. The dish’s primary ingredients are long-grain rice, black-eyed peas, and pork for flavor, such as bacon, ham hock, fatback, or pork sausage. On New Year’s Day, Hoppin’ John is often served with leafy green vegetables, such as cabbage, chard, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, and turnip greens, because their color is said to bring wealth since its the color of dollars. Another traditional food associated with wealth that accompanies Hoppin’ John is cornbread because it is the color of gold.

The best way to celebrate National Black-Eyed Peas Day is to eat a meal of black-eyed peas and leafy greens for good luck. If you’re not a fan of legumes or Southern cuisine, though, you can try another New Year’s Day ritual for good luck, or even invent your own.